Jesus Saracho won a 10-round split decision over Alberto Palmetta in a welterweight bout at the Pro Box Event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Saracho, 144.2 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94, while Palmetta won a card card 96-94.

Saracho is 14-2-1. Palmetta, 146.9 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 19-3.

Emiliano Moreno remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rashield Williams in a welterweight bout.

Moreno, 146 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 10-0. Williams, 146.6 lbs of Nassau, BAH is 11-3.

Jonathan Navarro shook off a five-year layoff and on the strength of a disputed knockdown remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Clarence Booth in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Navarro landed a hard overhand right that sent Booth hard into the ropes that was ruled a knockdown.

Navarro, 142.6 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 76-75 on all cards is now 18-0. Booth, 143.4 lbs of Jacksonville, FL is 21-11.

Terrence Williams had to get off the deck to win a six-round split decision over Roberto Escobar in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Escobar dropped Williams with a left hook.

Williams, 146.6 lbs of Tarpon Springs, FL won two cards by 58-56 tallies. Escobar won a card 57-56.

Williams is now 7-0. Escobar, 146 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 6-3-1.

Michael Pirotton remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Rashad Coulter in a heavyweight bout.

Pirotton, 228.6 lbs of Liege, BEL won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 9-0. Coukter, 246.6 lbs of Dallas is 5-4.

Follow all the action as Subriel Matias takes on Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight title. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with Elvis Rodriguez against Joseph Adorno and Jamal James vs Alberto Palmetta

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED. THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Ponce landing body punches..Right…Ripping upprcuts…Lefts from Matias..

ROUND 2 Right from Ponce…Ponce crowding Matias…Ponce working on the inside..Left uppercut from Ponce..Matias lands a left hook..2 bog left hooks..

ROUND 3 Left hook from Ponce…another and another..Both guys just whaling away on each other on the inside…

ROUND 4 Left hook to the body from Ponce…counter right from Matias..Beautiful left hook..Left hook from Ponce

ROUND 5 Good combination from Matias..Left..Left…MATIS STAGGERS AND DROPS PONCE…..PONCE’S CORNER STOPS IT IN BETWEEN ROUNDS

Round 1 Combination from James…Jab…Right..Combination..
Round 2 Left from Palmetta…
Round 3 2 lefts from Palmetta…Right hook..left
Round 4  Jab and combination from James..Cuffing right hook..Jab and right hand..Combination to the body..left hook to the body
Round 5 Right from James..Another right to the head..Body shot from Palmetta…Counter by James..Right..Body and uppercut from James..2 lefts hooks to the body from James…Good counter right from Palmetta…Body shot…
Round 6 Good counter right hook from Palmetta…Right-left…2 counter punches from James..Right
Round 7 Right to the body from James…Hard right…Body shots…hard rights..Sharp right…Right hook to body from Palmetta…left hook from James..
Round 8 Left from Palmetta..Right hook to body..Right from James..Trading body shots…James lands a head shot..Right from Pakmetta..Chopping left…Left uppercut…right uppercut to body from James..Left to body from Palmetta…
Round 9 James lands a right…Straight left…James landing 2 rights to the body
Round 10 Combination from James…3 punch combination..Right hook to body from Palmetta..right uppercut.

99-91 and 98-92 FOR JAMAL JAMES

Round 1 Adorno Jabbing…
Round 2 Lead right hook from Rodriguez..Left down the middle…Body..Counter to the body..Adorno lands a jab and left hook..Body shot from Rodriguez…Lead right from Adorno…Combination Rodriguez
Round 3 Double left hook to Body shot from Adorno..Jab from Rodriguez..Short right to body from Adorno…Body shot…Right hook to body from Rodriguez…Double jab and right to body from Adorno…
Round 4 Exchanging jabs to the body…Left hook to the body…Lead right..Counter
Round 5 Right from Adorno…Lead right hook to body from Rodriguez…Counter from Adorno..Double right..Nice counter from Rodriguez..Left hook to head from Adorno
Round 6 Combination from Rodriguez…Left from Adorno..Combination from Rodriguez..Counter right from Adorno..Counter from Rodriguez…Left hook from Adorno..Right hook from Rodriguez..Counter right to body from Adorno
Round 7 HUGE RIGHT HOOK ROCKS ADORNO AND DOWN HE GOES…Rodriguez landing big shots, but Adorno landing some shots of his own..Big right uppercut from Rodriguez
Round 8 Jab from Adorno..Right hook from Rodriguez..Right hook to the body…Left…2 lefts from Adorno…straight right to the body..Counter left from Rodriguez..Right to body…Right hook rocks Adorno
Round 9 Straight left and right hook from Rodriguez..Lead left…Double jab from Adorno..Lead right to the body..Right uppercut from Rodriguez.Lead right…jab to the body…
Round 10 Counter right from Adorno..Straight left..combination from Rodriguez,,,Double left hook from Adorno……BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES ADORNO

97-91, 95-93 and 94-94 FOR RODRIGUEZ

 

Subriel Matias stopped Jeremias Ponce after round five to win the IBF Junior Welterweight Title in a blistering fight at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ponce came out firing punches in bunches. Ponce was all over Matias, but Matias was calm and fired back in between to starve off any sustained assault from Ponce. The pace continued throughout the fight with toe-to-toe action. Matias slowly started getting the better of these exchanges and in round five was starting to break down Ponce. Late in the round, Matias landed a flurry of punches that sent Ponce to the canvas. Ponce looked spent as he went to the corner, and his trainer/father stopped the bout.

Matias, 139.25 lbs of Fajardo, PR is now 19-1 with 19 knockouts. Ponce, 139.5 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 30-1.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”

“I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.”

“I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.”

“I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”

“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”

Jamal James Decisions Palmetta

Jamal James won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Palmetta in a welterweight bout.

James landed 193 of 728 punches; Palmetta was 111 of 541.

James, 146.75 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 28-2. Palmetta, 147 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 18-2.

“I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.”

“I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.”

“I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.”

“I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.”

“I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – actually, my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”

Elvis Rodriguez Decisions Adorno

Elvis Rodriguez scored a 10-round majority decision over Joseph Adorno in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Rodriguez landed a huge right hook that rocked Adorno and eventually sent Adorno to the canvas. In round 10,Rodriguez landed a little body punch and Adorno appeared to slip, yet was ruled a knockdown.

Rodriguez landed 90 of 316 punches; Adorno was just 69 of 320.

Rodriguez, 139.75 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 97-91, 95-93 and 94-94 and is now 14-1-1. Adorno, 140 lbs of Allentown, PA is 17-2-2.

“Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.”

“I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.”

“I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can’t get a win with these judges. I don’t know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never out worked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn’t do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns.”

“Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.” 

VeShawn Owens scored an upset 10-round unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in a welterweight bout.

Owens, 147 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 14-3. Abdukakhorov, 156 lbs of Uzbekistan is 18-2.

Willie Jones shocked previously undefeated Derrick Jackson by scoring a one-punch first round stoppage in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Jones landed a perfect left hook to the head of Jackson that dropped him hard on his back and the fight was stopped immediately.

Jones, 147.75 lbs of Burlington, NC is 9-2 with six knockouts. Jackson, 149 lbs Orlando, FL is 10-1.

Mikkel Spencer made easy work of Margarito Lopez with a first round stoppage in their four-round super lightweight bout.

Spencer dominated the fight by landing fast power shots and culminating with a left that sent Lopez down and the fight was stopped at 2:18.

Spencer, 139 lbs of Linden, MI is 3-0 with two knockouts. Lopez, 140 lbs of Wapato, WA is 3-5-1.

MINNEAPOLIS – January 26, 2023 – Welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James held a media workout in his hometown Wednesday as he prepares to thrill crowd at The Armory on Saturday, February 25 when he battles 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta in the 10-round co-main event live on SHOWTIME in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

James (27-2, 12 KOs) steps into the ring for the first time since a 2021 slugfest against then unbeaten Radzhab Butaev that saw James’ seven-fight winning streak snapped. The 34-year-old returns to fight at The Armory for the fifth time in his career, having won four straight bouts there between April 2018 and July 2019.

Here is what James and his trainer Sankara Frazier had to say Wednesday from the Circle of Discipline gym in Minneapolis:

JAMAL JAMES

“It’s go time. I’ve been itching for this and I’m extremely happy to be fighting back at home. The most important thing for me is just ending this layoff and being in the ring period.

“I know that a lot of eyes will be on me coming off my last fight, but I love the pressure and I deal with it great. It makes me a better fighter. Instead of talking too much about it, I’m just going to show you on February 25.

“The gym is my home and we’ve been home. We’re training in the mornings and training in the evenings. Outside of just doing it for my boxing career, it keeps my body clean, my mind healthy and my spirit up.

“We’ve got an amazing facility here, so there’s no excuses for me not being at the very best of my capabilities when I step into the ring.

“My team keeps me focused during setbacks. We know that we just have to stay focused and eventually the opportunities are gonna come. If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

SANKARA FRAZIER, James’ Trainer

“Sometimes it’s not a bad thing to let your body rest. We’ve been at this since Jamal was a kid. This was an opportunity to focus and practice on the smaller things that we’ve wanted to fix. We really believe that it’s the smaller things that truly count.

“There’s always a fire burning in Jamal. He’s one of the guys who keeps that fire going at all times. We have to push it down a little bit sometimes and tell him to take it easy.

“We always look for the best version of Jamal James whenever he steps into the ring. So I’m just looking for the Jamal on February 25 to be better than the last.”

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ABOUT MATIAS VS. PONCE

Matias vs. Ponce will see top super lightweight contenders square off as popular knockout artist Subriel Matías meets undefeated Argentine Jeremías Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship on Saturday, February 25 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James in the 10-round welterweight co-main event as he battles 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta. Kicking off the telecast, exciting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez duels the hard-hitting Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in a 10-round attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #MatiasPonce follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

MINNEAPOLIS – January 24, 2023 – Top super lightweight contenders will square off  as popular knockout artist Subriel Matías meets undefeated Argentine Jeremías Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship to decide one of the kingpins of the red-hot super lightweight division on Saturday, February 25 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James in the 10-round welterweight co-main event as he battles 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta. Kicking off the telecast, exciting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez duels the hard-hitting Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“The 140-pound division is one of the hottest in boxing and a new champion will be crowned at the weight when Subriel Matías and Jeremías Ponce meet in an anticipated clash on Saturday, February 25,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “One of the sport’s most powerful punchers, Matías will have to be at his best to turn away the unbeaten and highly-motivated Ponce. In addition to a second 140-pound clash between Elvis Rodríguez and Joseph Adorno, The Armory’s fan-favorite Jamal James will step back into the ring, as he looks to begin another run to the title against Alberto Palmetta. This is a jam-packed lineup that fans in Minneapolis or watching on SHOWTIME will want to make sure they catch from start to finish.”

The 30-year-old Matías (18-1, 18 KOs) has a seek-and-destroy style that is easy on the eyes and hard for his opponents. He has early and late KO power with all 18 of his victories coming via stoppages – his last six in the fifth round or later. The lone loss of his career came against Petros Ananyan via 10-round unanimous decision in 2020 and was later avenged. Matias, of Farjado, Puerto Rico, faced two unbeaten boxers after the loss, defeating Malik Hawkins and Batyrzhan Jukembayev by stoppage. In the rematch he stopped Ananyan by ninth-round TKO, methodically wearing his opponent down and exhausting him before dropping him and ending the action.

“I’m very grateful that there is now a date for this fight so that I can finally realize my dream and become world champion,” said Matías. “I’ve been away from my family for 10 months in Mexico, just preparing and getting ready until the time came to step into the ring. Now that it’s in my sight, there’s nothing that is going to stand in my way.”

Ponce (30-0, 20 KOs) will be making his U.S. boxing debut when he meets Matias in what has all the earmarks of an immovable-force-versus- unstoppable object-type matchup. The 26-year-old Ponce of Buenos Aires, Argentina hopes to be included in the long lineage of  legendary Argentine boxers who preceded him. He put himself in position to fight for the IBF title with a resounding 10^th-round TKO victory over Lewis Ritson in June 2021. He has kept himself busy in anticipation of the title match and stopped Michel Marcano via second round KO in November 2021 before most recently earning a TKO victory over Achiko Odikadze in April of last year.

“I promise that I’m coming into this fight prepared to do whatever it takes to reach my dream and become a world champion,” said Ponce. “In my mind, this is my fight, and that title is already mine. Anyone who’s standing in my way is going to see why I’m undefeated and why I’ve earned this position that I’m in.”

Minneapolis’ James (27-2, 12 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since dropping a 2021 slugfest to  then unbeaten Radzhab Butaev, which snapped James’ seven-fight winning streak. The 34-year-old returns to fight at The Armory for the fifth time in his career, having won four straight bouts there between April 2018 and July 2019. That run for James included triumphs over fellow contender Abel Ramos and former Champion Antonio DeMarco. James also owns victories over veteran contenders including Javier Molina and Wale Omotoso, with his only other blemish coming against former world champion Yordenis Ugas.

“Training is going well and I’m working hard as usual,” said James. “I’m very excited to be getting back in the ring after such a long layoff, especially since it’ll be in my hometown. I think Palmetta will do his best, but it won’t be enough. I am determined to win and to let it be known that my name should be listed as one of the top five welterweights of this era.”

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Palmetta (18-1, 13 KOs) represented his home country at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in November 2016. The 32-year-old has won his last 12 fights, with 11 coming by stoppage dating back to 2017. In addition to an impressive run that saw him knock out the previously unbeaten Erik Ortiz and veteran contenders Tre’Sean Wiggins and Saul Corral, Palmetta also defeated Yeis Solano by decision in October 2021 and most recently blasted out Thomas Mendez in three rounds last November.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m training hard in Las Vegas to take full advantage of everything that’s in front of me,” said Palmetta. “I’ve represented my country in the ring for years, including in the Olympics, and I’m going in there on February 25 to make everyone in Argentina proud. I know I’m going into James’ hometown, but that’s just going to motivate me even harder to have my hand raised.”

Rodríguez (13-1-1, 12 KOs) has bounced back from his first career defeat, a majority decision loss to Kenneth Sims Jr., to knock out his last two opponents. His most recent fight came at The Armory, when he dispatched Juan Jose Velasco in the seventh round of their March 2022 clash on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights and totaled an impressive five wins in 2020. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez now lives and trains in Los Angeles, Calif.

“I can’t wait for February 25,” said Rodríguez. “I’ve been in camp waiting and preparing for an opportunity like this to display my skills. Adorno is a very talented fighter, but he’s in my way. Simple as that. I hope to get a title shot this year and in order to do that, I need to make a big statement in this fight.”

Adorno (17-1-2, 14 KOs) enters this fight having won three-straight bouts, including a unanimous decision victory over  previously unbeaten Hugo Alberto Roldan in September 2022 in the main event of SHOBOX: The New Generation^®. His current winning streak comes after dropping a March 2022 decision against then-undefeated Michel Rivera on SHOWTIME, which followed an April 2021 draw against Jamaine Ortiz. The 23-year-old was born in Union City, N.J., and now resides in Allentown, Pa., and is trained by respected coach Raul “Chino” Rivas. Adorno turned pro in 2016 at the age of 17 after a standout amateur career where he amassed a 178-22 record and beat Shakur Stevenson twice. He has scored knockout victories in nine of his first 10 pro fights.

“I’m training hard and putting in the work to make this my crossover fight,” said Adorno. “I’m the real A-side, the higher-ranked fighter and have more experience. My stablemate Kenny Sims dominated Rodriguez and I’m going to do the same. They took the wrong fight. He can have the A-side billing. Look at my credentials. I am the more skilled, more talented and more powerful fighter.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #MatiasPonce follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

SAN ANTONIO, T.X. – June 21, 2022 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will take on former world champion Rey Vargas in a battle of unbeatens that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa taking on Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained, unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles Panama’s power-punching Ricardo Núñez in the 10-round telecast opener.

“Saturday, July 9 will be topped by a showdown between champions as the Philippines’ Mark Magsayo makes his first title defense against the unbeaten Mexican, Rey Vargas, who will be looking to become a two-division champion at Alamodome on July 9 in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This card will also see the return of one of the sport’s most exciting young stars, as all-action Brandon Figueroa steps back into the ring looking to make his mark in the featherweight division, beginning with a world title eliminator against the always tough Carlos Castro. Kicking off the action will be the highly-skilled rising lightweight contender, Frank Martin, in a tough test against the hard-hitting Ricardo Núñez.”

Additional coverage will include a pair of bouts streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel  beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The action will see unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis facing Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta in a 10-round duel, plus San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas battling Venezuela’s Michell Banquez in a 10-round bantamweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com. The Martin vs. Núñez bout is promoted in association with Man Down Promotions.

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila by way of Los Angeles, Calif., and became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January when he outpointed longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. The 26-year-old earned the opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10^th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” said Magsayo. “I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”

The former WBC 122-pound world champion, Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs), returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November 2021 on the undercard of Canelo vs. Plant. The 31-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. A native of Mexico City, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.

“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” said Vargas, who trains under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin. “This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that, and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”

The 25-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) will debut at 126 pounds after dropping a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Stephen Fulton Jr. in November on SHOWTIME, in which the two champions traded blows for 12 grueling rounds, eventually leading to what some observers thought was a controversial majority decision loss. Figueroa used his youth and relentless pressure to become the first person to defeat Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, who has previously fought in San Antonio six times, Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa, who previously held the lightweight world championship.

“I’ve been waiting to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “Carlos Castro is a great fighter and we both have to prove why we belong at the top of the 126-pound division. I can’t wait to fight in San Antonio in front of my fans, it’s really one of my favorite places to compete and I’m planning on giving everyone who comes out a great show like always.”

Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) was born in Sonora, Mexico and came to the U.S. as a child. Now living in Phoenix, Ariz., Castro most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against two-division champion Luis Nery in February, with one point on the cards ultimately holding Castro back from keeping his unbeaten record intact. The 28-year-old made his name as a 122-pound contender, but has also competed at featherweight, including a 10^th round TKO victory over veteran contender Oscar Escandon in August 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring,” said Castro. “I have some real business to handle against Figueroa on July 9. There’s no better fight for me to show that I’m back. I’m ready to show that I’m capable of being in the mix at the top of the division and to earn a shot at the title.”

The 27-year-old Martin (15-0, 11 KOs) rose up the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before most recently delivering a New Year’s Day KO over Romero Duno. In 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance in April, before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of top trainer James alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’ve been training hard in Dallas and I’m just excited and ready to go,” said Martin. “Núñez is a boxer-puncher, so I expect him to mix it up with some fast combinations and to try and throw my movement off, but I’ll be ready for all of that. Fight fans are going to enjoy an action fight with this one. We’ve got the speed, power and athleticism to put on an exciting show on July 9.”

Representing La Chorrera, Panama, Núñez (23-3, 21 KOs) enters this fight with knockout victories in his last two fights, including most recently stopping Richard Solano in the first round in October 2021. The 28-year-old moved back up to lightweight for those two victories after challenging three-division champion Gervonta Davis in July 2019 for a 130-pound title. Núñez has fought professionally since 2010 and has a brother also named Ricardo who is a veteran pro fighter in the featherweight division.

“I’m very happy to be back in a big fight on July 9,” said Núñez. “You’re going to see a whole new fighter against Martin. I’m coming to fight and impose my style on my opponent. Martin is a good boxer who’s made it to a high level, but he still has to show what he’s made of. I’m going to give one hundred percent to stop his rise and be the first person to beat him.”

The 29-year-old Ellis (23-0, 14 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since October 2020, having earned a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Alexis Rocha in his last outing. Originally from Lynn, Mass., Ellis also owns a pair of victories over veteran contender Eddie Gomez, including a first-round knockout over Gomez in December 2016, before winning by unanimous decision in their 2019 rematch. He takes on the Buenos Aires, Argentina native Palmetta (17-1, 12 KOs), who represented his home country at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in November 2016. The 32-year-old has won his last 11 fights, with 10 coming by stoppage, including most recently defeating Yeis Solano in October 2021.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring on July 9,” said Ellis. “I want to thank my whole team, and I can’t wait to deliver fireworks for everyone watching this fight. I’m looking to steal the show and I’m training hard to make sure I do just that. You definitely want to tune in and see what I’m going to do in this one.”

“This fight is very special because it is the same day as Argentinian Independence Day,” said Palmetta. “Four years ago, I made the decision to leave my home and travel to the United States to further my boxing career. I want to face the biggest opponents, so I can earn the opportunity to become a world champion. This fight against Ellis is the big step I’ve been looking for. On July 9, get ready, because I’m coming with hunger, hard work, and determination. It hasn’t been easy for me; I have fought through the pain and struggle, and because of it, I remain humble and more motivated than ever.”

San Antonio’s Cardenas (20-1, 10 KOs) will look to run his current winning streak to nine when he competes in front of his hometown crowd on July 9. The 26-year-old added a pair of victories to his resume in 2021, having most recently stopped Marvin Solano in three rounds last August. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old Banquez (20-1, 14 KOs), who is originally from Venezuela and now fights out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. Banquez had a successful U.S. debut in January, as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joahnys Argilagos in six rounds, building off of a 12-round decision over the previously unbeaten Prince Patel in July 2019.

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SLOAN, Iowa – November 14, 2019 – Undefeated welterweight prospect Erik Vega (16-0, 9 KOs) and 2016 Olympian Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs) both made weight a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts Friday night live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

The 24-year-old Vega, of Tijuana, Mexico, will make his U.S. debut against his toughest test to date, decorated amateur and Argentinian Olympian Palmetta.

In the co-feature, hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs) will take on Houston’s Joe George (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout, and in the telecast opener, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal Jr. (9-0, 8 KOs) will fight for the first time in the U.S. when he meets Zach Prieto (9-0, 7 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, in an eight-round middleweight bout.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

The ShoBox tripleheader will immediately follow the 9 p.m. ET/PT premiere of PARIAH: THE LIVES AND DEATHS OF SONNY LISTON, a documentary chronicling the rise and precipitous fall of one of the most vilified and misunderstood sports champions of all time. 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call 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.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Welterweight 10-Round Bout 

Erik Vega – 146 ½ lbs.

Alberto Palmetta – 146 lbs. 

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout 

Marcos Escudero – 174 ½ lbs.

Joe George – 173 ½ lbs.

Referee: Adam Pollack; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

Middleweight 8-Round Bout 

Amilcar Vidal Jr. – 160 ½ lbs.

Zach Prieto – 160 lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

FINAL QUOTES:

ERIK VEGA:

“I know how important this fight is for me. Tomorrow, my entire career gets a new start. Everything that has happened in the past doesn’t matter. Tomorrow is all that matters. ShoBox is a great platform and it’s done so much to start the careers for so many fighters. We won’t take this lightly.

“I’m a boxer first but I have a lot of power too. I think I’m the total package. I have a little bit of everything that a boxer needs to be successful. I have skills, I know how to use the angles and I possess knockout power.

“This is a new route for me. All of my fights have been in Mexico but this is a tremendous opportunity for me and that’s why I took the fight. I’ve prepared for this fight very well and I’m taking it very seriously. My opponent is a southpaw, he’s got good skills. But I feel very confident that with the work I put in the gym, I will be victorious tomorrow night.

“I know a little bit about my opponent. I know that he’s aggressive and he likes to come forward. If I want to win, I have to listen to my team and do exactly what we worked on in the gym. I have to outbox him.”

ALBERTO PALMETTA:

“This fight is so important for me. When I left Argentina to come to the U.S. and fight for my dream, my first goal was always to be champion of the world. My team believes in me. Now, we have this opportunity to fight on TV in the main event and get closer to that goal. I’ve trained really hard for this. This is the right moment, the right time, and the right place for me.

“I know that I’m the smaller guy but It’s not important if you are tall or short. It’s more important whether you know how to move and control the distance. In my opinion, if you control the distance, you win the fight. That’s more important than size.

“I’ve watched my opponent a lot. He tries to attack and be aggressive, but we think he’s slow. In my opinion, he doesn’t control his body when he throws his punches. He’s off balance and he reaches. We want to counter every thing he does.

“I miss my family and friends a lot in Argentina. But when you have a dream, when you have a goal, you have to fight for it. My family supports me. It was really hard to leave and get on that plane. But I had to do it. I’m chasing my dream and I won’t stop until I accomplish it.

“My favorite fighters to watch were Roy Jones and Sergio Martinez from Argentina. My favorite boxer now is [Vasyl] Lomachenko and I try to model myself after him.”

MARCOS ESCUDERO:

“This fight means everything to me. I know it’s a step-by-step process to make it to the top, and this is the next step. It’s the most important fight of my life. We plan to bring the smoke.

“I don’t have any nerves about being on TV. I’m just excited for the world to see my talents. I can’t let the cameras and the lights affect me. I just need to stay calm and stick to the game plan.

“I’ve had a great training camp, and I’ve been working hard in camp for three months straight. My team around me is great. Charles [Mooney] knows what it takes and he has really helped me, especially defensively.

“When I came to the United States, I only had 10 amateur fights. I was a baby, brand new to boxing when I started the World Series of Boxing. I came here without experience. I don’t like to compare the amateurs to the pros too much. They are completely different.

“I grew up in the new generation of boxing. I grew up watching Canelo and Mayweather, and of course the Argentinians Sergio Martinez and Lucas Matthysse. Sergio Martinez was my inspiration but Marcos Maidana is the fighter that my style is closest too. I’m aggressive, a hard puncher and I’m always moving forward.”

JOE GEORGE:

“Tomorrow night, you’ll see speed, footwork, sharpness, head movement. When I’m in the zone, it’s hard to explain. You just have to witness it. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m more of a boxer, but I can do both. I can brawl but I prefer to show my boxing skills. This guy is going to fight, so I’ll be able to show more of my skill.

“As a kid, I’ve always dreamed of this opportunity. At the time, it felt impossible. It felt like you needed to be superhuman to get the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME. So to be here is surreal, but I am ready.

“I’ve trained hard. I’m ready for whoever is put in front of me. I treat all my opponents as a champion, so I put all my work and effort to be prepared for moments like these.

“I know that my opponent has a high knockout ratio. He’s undefeated, but I don’t know how he’ll respond to a fighter of my quality. I won’t take him lightly.”

AMILCAR VIDAL JR.:

“I want to be my country’s first world champion. It would mean so much, not only to my country, but to myself and to my family. That is my goal and this is just a step to getting to that ultimate goal.

“My father was a boxer. My brother was a boxer. I was born in the ring. I started boxing when I was 6 years old and I realized I had a natural talent. As a pro, I was knocking everybody out. My last opponent was the first one that went the distance with me. I wasn’t frustrated that I didn’t knock him out. I still dropped him.

“I’m prepared. I’ve seen a couple of my opponent’s fights. He’s very strong and he has more amateur experience than I do. I know that he’s a knockout artist too, and I’m coming to knock him out. I need to take advantage of every opportunity I get.

“This is my first fight on TV, but I’m calm. I’m not anxious. I know this is a very important fight for me and I’m ready to go.

“I was hit by a car in 2015. I broke my pelvis and my humerus bone in my arm. I was in the hospital for two months and it took a year to fully recover. But I’m 100 percent now and I’m so grateful to be here and have this opportunity.”

ZACH PRIETO:

“We’ve been at it for a while. I’ve trained nearly my whole life for this. I’ve always been involved in the sport, and to finally have an opportunity like this means the world.

“I like the quick knockouts. You never know what’s going to happen in a fight, so the quicker I can end it the better. But I need to be smart with this guy. I can’t expose myself and open myself up to get hit. I’m prepared to go eight rounds and it’s important for me to stay calm while I’m in there.

“I view this as an audition. Of course, I would love to sign with a promoter. I want the fans to remember who I am when they see me, and I want them to say: ‘Where did this guy come from? I like what he has.’ I really like to ‘wow’ the crowd. As a fan growing up, I always liked those underdogs.

“I’ve learned a lot from Austin Trout. How to stay busy, how to keep moving, how to manage your angles, manage distance. He’s been great for me. One of the biggest things he’s taught me is how to stay up on your feet. I’ve sparred countless rounds with him.

“This is my first fight on TV but I’ve seen it all fighting in Mexico. In my eyes, a fight is a fight. The nerves are always going to be there, that’s never going to change. You’re stepping into a dangerous situation and you need to manage your feelings.”

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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.

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. 

Alberto Palmetta stopped previously undefeated Erik Vega in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout at The WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

It was a nip and tuck fight until Palmetta clipped Vega with a right hook in the final round. Palmetta was all over Vega and landed 11 unanswered blows until referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight at 1:03.

Palmetta, 146 lbs of Argentina is 13-1 with nine knockouts. Vega, 146 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-1.

Joseph George took a 10-round split-decision over Marcos Escudero in a battle of undefeated light heavyweights.

George won two cards 97-93 and 97-94 while Escudero won a card 96-94.

Escudero landed 177 of 911 punches; George landed 161 of 545.

George, 173 1/2 lbs of Houston is now 10-0. Escudero, 174 1/2 lbs of Argentina is 10-1.

Amilcar Vidal Jr. stopped Zach Prieto in round one of their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In the opening frame, Vidal dropped Prieto with a heavy left. Prieto was hurt, and Amilcar jumped on him with a relentless flurry and ending the fight with a hard right that sent Prieto to the deck just as referee Mark Nelson was stopping the fight at 2:59.

Vidal, 160 1/2 lbs of Montevedo, UR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Prieto, 160 lbs of El Paso, TX is 9-1.

SLOAN, IOWA – November 6, 2019 – Welterweight prospects Erik Vega Ortiz and Alberto Palmetta are both ready to capitalize on their big opportunity when they meet in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, November 15 live on SHOWTIME.

Undefeated Vega Ortiz (16-0, 9 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, and 2016 Olympian and decorated amateur Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs), of Argentina will headline a ShoBox tripleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) that also features hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs), also of Argentina, taking on Houston’s Joseph George (9-0, 6 KOs) in the 10-round light heavyweight co-feature. In the opening bout, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal (9-0, 8 KOs) will take on Zach Prieto (9-0, 7 KOs), of El Paso, Texas, in an eight-round middleweight bout.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

23-year-old Vega Ortiz is aware of what’s potentially at stake in this intriguing match-up. “I have fought tough opponents in the past, but Palmetta is the biggest challenge of my career. That’s why I’m working so hard to prepare. This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I know that I have to give my best because I have a great opponent in front of me. This will define my career so I’m taking this fight very seriously.”

Vega Ortiz has been training at his home base, the Gimnasio CREA gym in Tijuana, with his long-time and respected trainer Romulo Quirarte, who he says is like a second father.

“Romulo has a very long career as a trainer and has had many great fighters, but what I like best about him is he demands respect and discipline with all of us in the gym. He has become family to me. I trust him completely and whatever he says to do in a fight, that’s what I do.”

Vega Ortiz started boxing at age seven as a hyperactive kid and patterns his style off Mexican legend Ricardo “El Finito” Lopez. “I’m a technical fighter most of the time, but I can get very aggressive. I like to use my distance, but if it comes down to it, I will throw combinations and put on the pressure.”

A victory over Palmetta, says Vega Ortiz, would open the doors to where he’d like to be in boxing.

“I’m going to show what I can do November 15. It’s time for me to shine. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity all my life and that really motivates me. It is an honor to represent Mexico and I’m going to show everyone who I am. A victory would mean everything to me. Even though I’ve already been a professional for years, this fight will be the beginning of my career. This is the fight that puts me on the map.”

Vega Ortiz’s promoter, Paco Damian from Paco Presents Boxing, says a lot of questions about his young fighter will be answered next Friday.

“He’s a technician with a beautiful style and he can punch and is very dedicated,” Damian said. “But what he will do under this kind of pressure is always a question. Is he ready or will he be anxious and nervous in the lights on TV? We will all find out.”

Palmetta, who came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history, has been training under the tutelage of 1976 Olympic Bantamweight Silver Medalist Charles Mooney in Palm Beach, Florida.

“My training was perfect,” said Palmetta. “I have been in camp for two months. My last fight was in August and after the fight, I took four or five days to rest and then went right back into training. I like to train hard every day. I feel so good about this. I think it’s a great opportunity for me. I am very thankful to SHOWTIME and to my promoter, Sampson Boxing and my manager, Gardner Payne, for taking this fight. It’s a big opportunity to show the American people, and people around the world, my skills.”

Palmetta, who started boxing at age 14 and won numerous national and international distinctions in his 112 amateur fights, says he’s not anticipating anything new from Vega Ortiz.

“In my amateur career, I saw a lot of different styles and have a lot of experience. I watched a couple fights of his and he’s a good fighter, but I don’t see anything special. I see a normal boxer. He has basic skills and throws the 1-2 and sometimes he tries to be aggressive, but I see nothing special. I like to say every opponent has something special. Ortiz doesn’t have as much experience in the amateurs as I do, but I know he wants to win. I know he will be well-prepared, but I don’t think he’s prepared for me.”

The 29-year-old Palmetta also says he’s keenly aware of the opportunities afforded a fighter victorious on ShoBox.

“I don’t know if it’s my toughest fight, but it’s my biggest fight. A victory would be a stepping stone to my goal of fighting the best in the world and becoming champion of the world. As an amateur, I was a top-10 boxer in the world. I want to be the same as a professional. This fight is the doorway to that.”

“Alberto Palmetta is the future of the division,” said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “This fight will be his introduction to the boxing world in North America and his first important victory on the way to the title. Don’t miss his electrifying performance on November 15.”

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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.

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 80 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.

NEW YORK – October 15, 2019 – Six talented prospects with a combined overall record of 65-1 will make their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts on Friday, November 15 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Erik Vega Ortiz (16-0, 9 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico will face 2016 Olympian and decorated amateur Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs) of Argentina in the 10-round main event. Hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs), also of Argentina, will take on Houston’s Joseph George (9-0, 6 KOs) in the 10-round light heavyweight co-featured bout. In the telecast opener, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal (9-0, 8 KOs) will fight for the first time in the U.S. when he meets Zach Prieto (9-0, 7 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, in an eight-round middleweight bout.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

“We can’t wait to see what these future champions show us in their debuts on ShoBox: The New Generation, a series that has built so many careers and champions,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “These are very important fights for all six of these boxers’ young careers and another step toward them graduating from prospects to contenders.”

In the main event, the 23-year-old Vega Ortiz will bring an all-out, pressure style similar to many of his fellow countrymen of Mexico. Ortiz started boxing at age seven and ended his career at an impressive 45-2 amateur record. He trains at the Gimnasio CREA gym in Tijuana and graduated this year with honors in Business Administration from the university Autónoma de Baja California. The 24-year-old will make his U.S. debut in his first true test after building his undefeated record against mostly limited opposition in Mexico.

“Boxing fans will want to tune in November 15 to witness a classic rivalry between Mexico and Argentina,” Vega Ortiz said. “We know what we are facing in Alberto Palmetta. He is a well-rounded boxer with a great amateur career and an ex-Olympian. But, at the end of the day, that doesn’t matter to me. These are the types of challenges I like and I am looking forward to pleasing my fans.”

Olympian Palmetta came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history. Palmetta started boxing at age 14 and competed in 112 amateur fights, winning numerous national and international distinctions including the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. He was the captain of the Argentinean national team and was considered a top-10 prospect in the world at his weight before he turned pro.

The 29-year-old southpaw’s only pro loss came against then-10-1 Argentinian Gonzalo Gaston Coria. His last two fights took place in Charlotte, N.C. Palmetta is co-promoted by former world champion Sergio Martinez of Maravillabox Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

“My fist goal in boxing was to be an Olympian boxer, and my second was to become champion of the world,” Palmetto said. “This is the first step on my way to realizing my dream of becoming a world champion. Great effort brings great achievements.”

The co-featured bout features the 26-year-old hard-hitting Escudero from Cordoba, Argentina, who is riding a six-fight knockout streak. As an amateur, he competed nationally and internationally, including becoming a national champion in Argentina in 2014 and representing his country in the Pan-Am Games in 2015. He finished the unpaid ranks with a respectable 60-5 record. In just his second year as a professional, Escudero has already won the WBC Latin Silver Light Heavyweight Championship. He is currently living and training in Miami and managed by Gardner Payne of Payne Boxing.

“Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack,” Escudero said. “The time has come for me to shine. Thank you to my team and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for this opportunity. I will not disappoint.”

Escudero will have his hands full with Houston’s George, a former high school basketball star who started boxing at age 19. Managed by Washington Redskins Pro Bowl lineman Trent Williams and trained by former NFL All Pro running back Adrian Peterson and James Cooper, George went 76-5 as an amateur and was the National Golden Gloves champion in 2015 at 178 pounds. He also placed third in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The 6-foot-2 George will face his toughest test as a pro against Escudero. “I know very little about my opponent, except that he is a puncher against limited opposition,” George said. “Training is going great. I have been on weight for quite some time now because I really fight at 168 pounds, but I believe my skill set is enough that fighting at 175 is not a problem at all. I train with one of the best trainers in the world in James Cooper. Coop has gone over a game plan and I will execute it to a T.”

In the telecast opener, Uruguayan power-puncher Vidal is currently living and training in Coachella, Calif., and fighting for the first time in the U.S. As an amateur, he suffered just one loss in 59 fights. Vidal is trained by his brother Richard Vidal and Freddy Fundora in Coachella and spars with Freddy’s son Sebastian Fundora, a current undefeated welterweight who has appeared twice on ShoBox.

“I’m very focused and at the same time excited to be performing in the U.S. for the first time,” Vidal said. “Coming from my home country Uruguay, it was always a dream to fight in America. That’s now turning into a reality on November 15.”

Prieto, who fought last on October 5 in Vado, N.M., had a reported 70 amateur fights going 50-20. He started boxing at age 11 and is known for his aggressive style and power. He fought current WBA super lightweight champion Regis Prograis to two split decisions in the amateurs. A 2011 New Mexico Golden Gloves silver medalist, Prieto has trained with former WBA super welterweight champion Austin Trout and was a Texas Junior Olympic State Champion.

“I have worked a long time hoping for an opportunity like this to come along,” Prieto said. “From what I have seen of my opponent, he is strong and it is going to take a lot of strategy to beat him. He is someone that is going to take more than overpowering to defeat. A victory would mean another step down the road for me in mastering my craft and being able to step up and fight anyone they put me against.”

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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.

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 80 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.