LAS VEGAS (Feb. 28, 2013) – Golden Boy Promotions hosted the final press conference Thursday for the big fight card this Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in LasVegas.

In the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition, Cuba’s Richar “El Tigre” Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., will make the first defense of his WBA Lightweight World Championship when he meets unbeaten Ugandan Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Las Vegas.

The co-feature on SHOWTIME will feature undefeated, world-rated southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., against Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Preceding the SHOWTIME telecast will be live preliminary fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Hard-hitting Jorge Melendez (25-2, 24 KO’s), of Manati, Puerto Rico, takes on Ryan Davis (24-9-3, 9 KO’s), of Granite City, Ill., in an eight-round middleweight match and Thomas Williams (12-0, 9 KO’s), of Fort Washington, Md., risks his unblemished record against Kevin Engel (20-7, 16 KO’s), of St. Louis, in an eight-round light heavyweight scrap. Time permitting, Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Caguas, P.R., collides with Daniel Attah (27-13-1, 10 KO’s), of Washington, D.C., in a lightweight bout slated for six rounds.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Thursday’s press conference was coming to a quiet and peaceful conclusion when Ken Adams, the veteran Las Vegas trainer of Bogere, stood up from his seat near the dais and asked permission to speak.

“When I watched tapes of your [Abril’s] fights, I couldn’t tell if you were on the track team (because you run so much), or if you were on the wrestling team (because of the way you fight inside),” said Adams, who has worked with numerous world champions including Eddie Cook, Kennedy McKinney, Freddie Norwood, Al Cole, Charles Murray and Stevie Johnson. “The Lion’s last meal is going to be Abril!”

Countered Ricardo Rizzo, Abril’s advisor who was standing off to the side of the dais. “With all due respect to the trainer, Abril isn’t running from anyone and he is ready to fight March 2!”

What the fighters said Thursday:

RICHAR ABRIL:

“I’ve waited for this fight a long time because of the postponements, so I’m happy we’re just two days away.

“I don’t really understand why Bogere talks so much (on Twitter), but I can tell you one thing: on Saturday, I am not going to run.

“I respect Bogere, I respect all fighters, but I’m just saying let’s put on a good show for the fans.

“He’s a lion, but I’m a tiger, and the real king of the jungle is the tiger.”

SHARIF BOGERE:

“I want to thank everyone for being here today. I knew if I stayed positive my time would come and now it’s almost here. I want to thank Golden Boy and my team for making this fight happen.

“On Saturday night, I’m going to take care of business. I’m 100 percent prepared and ready to go. On Saturday, I’ll become champion of the world.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.:

“I think I trained for six and a half or seven weeks, so I am definitely ready to go. I’m looking forward to Saturday, fighting again and fighting on SHOWTIME again.

“I had a good, exciting knockout in my last fight, but I don’t put pressure on myself to duplicate that kind of fight. My job is to perform and win fights.”

VYACHESLAV GUSEV:

“I came all the way from Russia for this fight and I’m here to put on a really great fight. I’ve trained very hard for this. I know Russell is a good fighter. I’m excited about the opportunity that I’m getting.”

JORGE MELENDEZ:

“I’d like to thank Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity. I want to thank Ryan Davis for accepting the fight. This victory is dedicated to all of Puerto Rico.”

THOMAS WILLIAMS:

“I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me another opportunity to showcase my skills. Fighting on the undercard of a world title fight brings me a lot more exposure. I’m excited and looking forward to putting on a good show.”

KEVIN ENGEL:

“I’d like to thank Golden Boy for bringing me in for this fight. I think this is a good matchup and that our fight will be the most exciting of the night.”

JEFFREY FONTANEZ:

“It’s a great pleasure for me to be fighting in Las Vegas again. I want to thank my promoters, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for this opportunity. My team has me ready. Like always, I’m very well prepared. I have a tough opponent, but I’ll be the one coming out victorious. I look forward to a good fight.”

ABOUT ABRIL VS. BOGERE:

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 27, 2013) – When Cuba’s Richar Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., steps into the ring to face undefeated Ugandan Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Las Vegas, this Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING – Special Edition live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, he will be making the first defense of his WBA Lightweight World Championship.

The WBA recently announced that it had elevated Abril from interim champion to regular champion, a decision fully supported by both Abril and Bogere.

“I had no idea it was happening and it was definitely a surprise,” said Abril during Tuesday’s media workout at Long Life Fit Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. “But it was a great surprise. Every fighter has aspirations of becoming a world champion. Anybody who watched absolutely knows I beat Brandon Rios (in a bout on April 14, 2012) and that I deserved the decision. Ever since then, in my heart, I always considered myself the WBA champion. The WBA only made it official.

“This motivates me even more to put on a good fight for the fans and show them that I’m the real deal.”

Said Bogere after his workout, “I don’t think anybody is satisfied fighting for an interim title. We want a full title, a world title. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this chance. Uganda is one of the poorest countries on the planet. Most people don’t know how hard it’s been to get from where I started to where I’m at now. Fighting for the WBA title is an opportunity of a lifetime.

“People talk about my ring entrance, and that’s really good. It’s gotten me a lot of attention. They may not know my name, but they’ve maybe heard of the kid and his lion. I’m confident that after Saturday, people will know my name and know who I am.”

In Saturday’s co-feature, talented, undefeated southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (23-0, 15 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Russell is coming off of one of 2012’s most devastating knockout victories, a brutal one-punch, third-round stoppage over Roberto Castaneda last Nov. 9 on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“I’m satisfied with the way my career is going and at the pace it’s going,” said the classy, world-rated Russell, who may possess the fastest hands in boxing. “I refuse to listen to anybody who says anything negative about it. I think in a couple more fights I’ll be ready to challenge for a world title.

“I’m not overlooking anybody. I’ve seen tapes of Gusev and he seems to have that classic European style, although he does try and box. He certainly has the potential to be a spoiler. He’s the type that if you allow him to set the pace, he’ll run up the points on you. I expect a good fight on Saturday.”

Said Gusev, who’ll be making his second start in the United States: “I’m very relaxed, calm and confident. I’ve seen some of Russell’s fights and know he is a very good fighter.

“I’m excited about this fight and looking forward to it. It’s not going to be easy, but I am here to win. I didn’t come all this way to lose.”

ABOUT “ABRIL VS BOGERE”:

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril’s WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/richard_abril, www.twitter.com/sharifbogere, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/TheJointLV, www.twitter.com/hardrockhotellv, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AbrilBogere or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

LOS ANGELES, February 22 – The Classics are back on FOX Deportes this Saturday, February 23 with a hard-hitting doubleheader featuring lightweight title challenger Sharif “The Lion” Bogere and top featherweight contender Gary Russell Jr, the stars of the March 2 Showtime televised boxing event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

In the Classics main event, we see Bogere move from prospect to contender when he battled the always-tough Raymundo Beltran. The co-featured bout takes a look back at Russell tackling tough veteran Antonio Meza beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

A charismatic and exciting fighter throughout his career, Uganda’s Sharif “The Lion” Bogere, who now resides in Las Vegas, made a statement to the world that he arrived on May 13, 2011 when he won a hard-fought 10-round battle over highly-regarded Raymundo Beltran to win the vacant NABO lightweight title.

Known as one of the most technically sound boxers in the game today, Gary Russell Jr. also packs quite a punch, something Mexico’s Antonio “Barrio” Meza found out the hard way on June 17, 2011 when he was dropped three times by the 2008 United States Olympic team member before the end of the fourth round.

# # #

Abril vs.Bogere, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Lightweight World
Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev
.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. An exact on sale date will be announced as soon as determined.

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comor www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

LAS VEGAS (February 16) – Tickets for the WBA Lightweight World Championship between Richar Abril and Sharif “The Lion” Bogere taking place on Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME
go on sale tomorrow, Sunday, February 17 at noon PT.

Unbeaten featherweight phenom Gary Russell Jr. will face Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev in the 10-round co-featured featherweight bout which will also be televised live on SHOWTIME.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, go on sale Sunday, February 17 at noon PT and will be available for purchase at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Abril vs.Bogere, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev.

Big Apple on Saturday, March 2 when Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon defends his WBC Featherweight World Championship against Puerto Rico’s latest knockout artist, Jayson Velez, in the main event from the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The night of fights marks the first time in over 15 years that the Apollo has played host to professional boxing with the last fight taking place in November 1997.

The SHOWTIME action doesn’t stop there as the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship will be on the line when Richar Abril and Sharif “The Lion” Bogere square off in the co-main event which was originally scheduled for November, but was postponed when Bogere suffered an ankle injury. Opening the broadcast will be unbeaten featherweight phenom Gary Russell Jr. against Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev in a 10-round featherweight bout.

“There’s nothing like boxing’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry and this fight between Ponce De Leon and Velez is going to be explosive from start to finish,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “New York City is the perfect location for this event and we can’t wait to have our first show at the historic Apollo Theater.”

“This will be a great fight once again the classic battle between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Miguel Cotto. “Jayson is ready to take the challenge and fight for the world title. Puerto Rico will have a new world champion on March 2.”

“This is a fight we’ve been waiting a long time for and my first defense is just around the corner,” said Ponce De Leon. “I feel better prepared than when I won the title against Jhonny Gonzalez. I’m sure I’ll win and will be world champion for a long time. I’m focused on the fight. I’m not bothered or uncomfortable fighting outside of my own backyard. To the contrary, it motivates me to fight better.”

“I’ve been training really hard and am focused for this fight,” said Velez. “Winning a belt has been the goal my whole life. Everything in camp is going as we planned and I can’t wait to be in the ring on March 2.”

“On March 2, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will give boxing fans another action-packed card featuring a line-up of pressure fighters who almost never take a step back,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “With two world title fights at the legendary Apollo Theater, this event promises entertaining action from start to finish.”

Ponce De Leon vs. Velez, a 12-round fight for Ponce De Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions and sponsored by Corona. In the co-featured attractions on SHOWTIME, WBA Interim Lightweight World Champion Richar Abril squares off against WBA number three rated lightweight contender Sharif Bogere for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship and featherweight contender Gary Russell Jr. faces Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev in a ten-round featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable taxes and service charges, go on sale on Tomorrow, Saturday, February 9 at noon ET and will be available for purchase at the Apollo Theater box office, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Considered by many to be comeback fighter of the year in 2012, former Junior Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon (44-4, 35 KO’s) took the long road back to the top, but last year he reaped the fruits of his labor in spectacular fashion. Ponce De Leon had an excellent 2012 during which he knocked out Omar Estrella in January, decisioned Eduardo Lazcano in May and became a two-division world champion on September 15 when he outpointed Jhonny Gonzalez for the WBC Featherweight World Championship. On March 2, his second reign begins as he makes his first defense.

Hailing from Juncos, Puerto Rico, 24-year-old Jayson Velez (20-0, 15 KO’s) has a mighty legacy to live up to when it comes to the warriors from the boxing-rich island, but over the course of his five-year career, he’s shown the talent and drive to join them. The owner of the WBC USNBC, WBO Latino and WBC Silver Featherweight titles, Velez put on a precision power-punching clinic last December when he stopped Salvador Sanchez in the third round at Madison Square Garden. On March 2, he’ll be back in New York in an attempt to earn his first world title.

30-year old Richar Abril (17-3-1, 8 KO’s) was fairly unknown outside of hardcore fight circles heading into 2012, but when the Cuba-born resident of Miami, Florida took on highly-touted Brandon Rios for the WBA Lightweight World Championship in April of last year, that status changed over the span of 12 rounds. Though WBA Interim Lightweight World Champion Abril lost a split decision to Rios that night, the boxing media and fans around the world voiced their displeasure, calling it one of the worst decisions ever. On March 2, Abril rightfully gets another shot at the title, this time against Bogere.

Uganda native Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (23-0, 15 KO’s) was a five-time African champion in his amateur days and now he’s eager to add some professional gold to his trophy case on March 2. An aggressive contender with impressive power, the 24-year old (who now makes his home in Las Vegas) has impressed in his wins over top rising stars Ray Beltran, Francisco Contreras, Sergio Rivera and Manuel Leyva, putting him in prime position for a shot at the world title.

Perhaps the most talented young fighter in the sport today, 24-year-old southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (21-0, 13 KO’s) has been showing his stellar boxing skills since his days as an amateur standout. In the fourth year of his professional career in 2012, he began adding power punching into his repertoire with impressive knockouts of Christopher Perez and Roberto Castaneda. On March 2, the Capitol Heights, Maryland resident will look to continue to wow fans in his New York debut in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING opening fight against Gusev.

Prokopyevsk, Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) is a nine year professional who has started to fulfill his world championship potential in the ring. A decorated competitor with several regional titles to his name, the 26-year-old began making his mark in 2010 as he began a four-fight winning streak that he will bring into the ring with him on March 2. In his most recent fight on April 30, he rose from the canvas to decision Padjai Yongyuthgym and he plans on handing Russell his first defeat at the Apollo.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.apollotheater.org, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/DanielPoncedeL1, www.twitter.com/Jayson_Velez, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #PonceDeLeonVelez or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

INDIO, CALIF. (Nov. 9, 2012) – The transition from amateur to professional in sports is a rite of passage for nearly all athletes who earn pay for play. For many Olympic athletes, however, there is added pressure due to real or perceived expectations of them as professionals. Such is the case with Olympic boxers the world over who don’t have the luxury of turning professional in low-profile fights.

Those high expectations come with good reason as from the 1976 Olympics through the 2004 Games, 41 percent of U.S. Olympic boxers went on to win at least one world title as a professional.

On the eve of “Night of Olympians” tonight/Friday, Nov. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.), six past U.S. Olympians, all of whom would become world champions, looked back at their pro debuts and their mindsets going into those fights.

Here’s what Oscar De La Hoya, Howard Davis, Raul Marquez, Russell, Jr., Antonio Tarver and Andre Ward had to say:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Gold Medalist, 1992

(Pro debut: De La Hoya registered three knockdowns en route to a 42 second, first-round knockout win over Lamar Williams at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Nov. 23, 1992.)

“Because I was a fighter who was brought up fighting as a professional-type style I was actually really looking forward to my pro debut. I’d been sparring and training with pros like Joey Olivo and Paul Gonzales since I was 13, so I wasn’t nervous at all. Actually, I couldn’t wait. Just the fact I would be wearing eight-ounce gloves without headgear for the first time excited me.

“Once I got that first fight out of the way, I knew I was on my way.”

HOWARD DAVIS, Gold Medalist, 1976

(Pro debut: Davis outpointed Jose Resto over six rounds at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 15, 1977.)

“The fight was nationally televised. I was disappointed because I wanted to fight in front of my hometown fans at the Nassau Coliseum. Ray Leonard got to turn pro in front of his hometown fans. Instead, the fight was in Vegas, and only a couple of hundred, maybe 500 fans showed up.

“I was very nervous and the nerves didn’t go away until my second pro fight, but I beat him silly every round and didn’t let him hit me. He had no neck, and every time I hit him, I felt like I was breaking my hand.”

RAUL MARQUEZ, 1992

(Pro debut: Marquez stopped Rafael Rezzaq in the fourth round at the HemisFair Arena in San Antonio, Texas on Oct. 3, 1992.)

“It was a big night for me. There was pressure because I was supposed to be one of the U.S. Olympians who would go on to win a world title. I was nervous, but I was nervous before every fight. There were a lot of friends and family from Houston and Mexico there.

“I fought a tough guy. I kept knocking him down and he kept getting up. I don’t even remember how many knockdowns I scored. I’ll tell you this, he was much tougher than I had expected for an Olympian making his pro debut.

“One thing I definitely remember: Lou Duva threw me a party afterward at Mi Tierra, a famous restaurant in San Antonio. There was a mariachi band and everything.”

GARY RUSSELL JR., 2008

(Pro debut: Russell scored a third-round TKO over Antonio Reyes at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, Okla., on Jan. 16, 2009)

“My pro debut was in Oklahoma on ShoBox and I remember being excited and a little bit anxious. I had the opportunity to start all over again. I felt like I was having my first amateur fight and it was exciting to do something for the first time.

“My opponent was wearing a suit at the press conference and I remember thinking that wasn’t going to help him in the ring at all. I had full confidence in my ability to beat him.”

ANDRE WARD, Gold Medalist, 2004

(Pro debut: Ward knocked out Chris Molina in the second round on Dec. 18, 2004 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.)

“I was more anxious than nervous. It was STAPLES Center, on the undercard of Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson. My fight was televised on premium cable. There were huge expectations and I had a lot to prove even though I had won the gold medal. I also had to prove to myself I could take a shot as a pro.

“I had an absolute wild man on the other side of the ring. Molina wanted to prove I born with a silver spoon in my mouth. He was throwing bombs, head-butting and yelling at me during the fight. I just had to stay in the moment. I hit him some good shots and he quit.”

(Note: Molina, who was 2-0 going in, never fought again.)

ANTONIO TARVER, 1996

(Pro debut: Tarver scored a second-round knockout over Joaquin Garcia at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia on Feb. 8, 1997.)

“I didn’t know what to expect. You take off the headgear, you put on the little gloves. There were a lot of butterflies. It was like starting over. All jitters and I was fighting on national TV on ‘Tuesday Night Fights,’ and at the Blue Horizon, which had a tough, educated crowd. I just wanted to be perfect.

“I was 28 and a lot of people thought I was too old to be turning pro. I fought an undefeated guy who had a good chin. I was so anxious; I don’t know if I did everything I wanted to do, but I still got the award for Knockout of the Night.”

# # #

In tonight’s ShoBox main event, talented unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KOs) of Capitol Heights, Md., will face Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

The five 2012 U.S. Olympians – heavyweight Dominic Breazeale, of Anaheim, Calif., cruiserweight Marcus Browne, of Staten Island, N.Y., super middleweight Terrell Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, junior middleweight Errol Spence, of Desotol, Texas, and bantamweight Rau’Shee Warren, of Cincinnati, Ohio – will box in four-round pro debut fights.

Breazeale takes on Curtis Tate (4-3, 4 KO’s), of Oakland, Tenn., Browne will meet Codale Ford (2-0), of Fort Gibson, Okla., Gausha will face Dustin Caplinger (2-3, 1 KO) of Chillicothe, Ohio, Spence will be opposed by Jonathan Garcia (3-3, 1 KO), of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and Warren collides with Luis Rivera of Ponce, Puerto Rico (1-2).

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first live fight at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

INDIO, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2012) – The 12 fighters who will compete on “Night of the Olympians” on Friday, Nov. 9 on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) made weight on their first attempts Thursday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In the ShoBox 10-round main event, unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., will be opposed by Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KO’s) of Mexicali, Mexico.

Five 2012 U.S. Olympians will fight in separate four-round bouts: heavyweight Dominic Breazeale, of Anaheim, Calif., meets Curtis Tate (4-3, 4 KO’s), of Oakland, Tenn.; cruiserweight Marcus Browne, of Staten Island, N.Y., collides with Codale Ford (2-0), of Fort Gibson, Okla.; super middleweight Terrell Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, faces Dustin Caplinger (2-3, 1 KO) of Chillicothe, Ohio; junior middleweight Errol Spence Jr., of Desoto, Texas, takes on Jonathan Garcia (3-3, 1 KO), of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; and bantamweight Rau’Shee Warren, of Cincinnati, Ohio, battles Luis Rivera of Ponce, Puerto Rico (1-2).

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight starts at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

SHOBOX WEIGHTS: Russell Jr. tipped scale at 126¾ pounds, Castaneda 125; Breazeale weighed 248 pounds, Tate 238; Browne weighed 175¾, Ford 176¾; Gausha weighed 164 pounds, Caplinger 165½; Spence Jr. weighed 149, Garcia 149½ and Warren weighed 117½ pounds, Rivera 117 ¾.

In non-televised fights, Daquan Arnett (8-0, 5 KO’s), of Winter Park, Fla., meets Jeremiah Wiggins (10-0-1, 5 KO’s), of Newport News, Va., in a battle of undefeated junior middleweights in a six-round scrap and Manuel Robles (1-0), of Los Angeles, tackles Tim Ibarra (2-1), of Denver, Colo., in a four-round junior featherweight bout.

OFF-TV WEIGHTS: Arnett 153 pounds, Wiggins 151; Robles 122 pounds, Ibarra 117¾.

What Castaneda said Thursday about his main event clash against Russell:

ROBERTO CASTANEDA

“This is definitely a great opportunity for me to fight a big name like Gary Russell on SHOWTIME. I’d been training for a different fighter, another southpaw with a similar style, for three months but when this offer came along I took it. I’m definitely in good shape and very excited.

“With the preparation I had, I definitely feel I’m capable of winning. Russell is a good fighter, very, very fast, so my plan is to not let him get into a rhythm and dictate the pace.

“I feel I hit hard enough and I know I throw enough punches. I expect to throw 100 punches a round.

“If I win this fight, I can be another Josesito Lopez and we all know what happened to him when he got his first big opportunity.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as the expert analyst.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, , www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

INDIO, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2012) – Unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr., and the five 2012 U.S. Olympians who will fight on “Night of the Olympians” tomorrow/ Friday, Nov. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., participated in a Media Workout Wednesday at Fantasy Springs.

The six talented boxers deemed themselves fit, anxious and primed for top efforts.

In the 10-round main event of a special edition of ShoBox, Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., will try and keep his unblemished record intact when he meets Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KO’s) of Mexicali, Mexico.

The fights featuring the other Olympians are scheduled for four rounds: heavyweight Dominic Breazeale, of Anaheim, Calif., takes on Curtis Tate (4-3, 4 KO’s), of Oakland, Tenn., cruiserweight Marcus Browne, of Staten Island, N.Y., will be opposed by Codale Ford (2-0), of Fort Gibson, Okla., super middleweight Terrell Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, meets Dustin Caplinger (2-3, 1 KO) of Chillicothe, Ohio, junior middleweight Errol Spence Jr., of Desoto, Texas, faces Jonathan Garcia (3-3, 1 KO), of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; and bantamweight Rau’Shee Warren, of Cincinnati, Ohio, collides with Luis Rivera of Ponce, Puerto Rico (1-2).

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first live fight at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

What the fighters said Wednesday:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“To headline an event with all the Olympians is a blessing and I’m really looking forward to Friday. I’m ready to go.

“I feel the path my career is on is right on schedule. I truly believe 2013 is going to be a big year for me. I’m fortunate that I know enough not to overlook anybody and that any boxer is capable of an upset on any given night, so I am not looking past Friday.

“I don’t know much about Castaneda. I spent my whole camp training for Vyacheslav Gusev (who withdrew after suffering a broken rib), but I feel my pedigree will take over. In the amateurs, we hardly ever got a chance to prepare for an opponent either. So, we’re ready.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“You can’t erase what happened in the Olympics because that is history, but the difference between amateurs and pros are night and day, so beginning Friday, I’m setting out to get revenge.

“I was always good in a lot of sports and I love challenges, so when the door to my football-playing days closed, I went to boxing. I was 23 when I sparred the first time. Honestly, I never thought I’d get this far, but I improved little by little and now I’m anxious and ready to rock ‘n roll.

“I feel great. Good American heavyweights are hard to find. I really want to win a world title and bring it back to the United States. The sport of boxing is going to explode when that happens.

“I consider myself an aggressive boxer who’s a great finisher. If you want to box, I’ll box and then I’ll finish you. If you want to brawl, I’ll finish you earlier.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“On Friday I’ll be fighting for my friends in Staten Island and for everybody in Staten Island. I came out of Sandy OK, as did my family, but I know a few people who lost everything. I feel so bad for them. This was one of the very worst things that could happen.

“It’s a beautiful thing, all of us teammates fighting together on the same card. It doesn’t happen often. All of us, we grew up together and we all have great relationships with each other. In 25 or 30 years we can all tell our grandchildren that we turned pro together.

“I actually feel what happened in the Olympics will work to my advantage. I think we can all leave our marks as pros. We have a pro style that fans will like.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“I’m really excited about fighting Friday on SHOWTIME. Aside from the Olympics, this is one of the biggest days of my life. Your pro debut is very important and this is definitely the real thing for me. This is the big leagues. This is absolutely the real deal.

“I like the fact so many of us are fighting on the same card. To be reunited with my teammates again is great. I think we motivate each other and our support for each other is real. Boxing is an individual sport but any time we get a chance to be together like this again is just great.

“I believe all of us are more suited for the pro game than we were fighting amateur. We’re all hard workers. The Olympics for the most part was a good experience. More people know me now and they recognize me, but this is what it’s all about and we’re going to give it our all.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I can’t wait to fight in the big time. I have a great team behind me and I’m really ready to show the pro world what I’m made of.

“Fighting on the same card with the other guys is a good thing to me. They are like my brothers. It makes me a little more comfortable when I’m around them.

“I think we all have a great pro style and we get to show it in a couple of days. I did my homework so I know some basic stuff about Garcia. I know he’s kind of wild and will be coming out very aggressively in the first round. I’m not nervous at all and don’t think I’ll be nervous on Friday. I’m anxious to get this thing going.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“It feels good to be fighting on the same card as some of my Olympic teammates. We’ve got a bond that no one can take away. We motivate each other, push each other. It’s like getting an extra energy push. We’re all coming out of a long training camp except now we are at another level.

“This time, it’s for real. We’re wearing eight-ounce gloves, no headgear. In the pros, you fight. It isn’t like in the amateurs where it is hit-and-run.

“I’m really looking forward to Friday and being able to showcase my speed and talent.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as the expert analyst.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, , www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

NEW YORK (Nov. 7, 2012) – Talented unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. and five 2012 U.S. Olympians will be featured on “Night of the Olympians” this Friday, Nov. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

So what kind of pro careers will the Olympians fighting this Saturday go on to have? Russell, of course, is off to an excellent start. For the others, you’ll have to stay tuned.

Below is ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood’s Top 10 list of the U.S. Olympians since 1976 who accomplished the most as professionals:

1. Sugar Ray Leonard: Beat Thomas Hearns, Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler, and won titles from welterweight to light heavyweight. The best fighter I’ve ever covered.

2. Floyd Mayweather: Has rarely been challenged, much less beaten. The last man to defeat him: Serafim Todorov at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

3. Pernell Whitaker: Defensive wizard Whitaker is among greatest lightweights of all time. His crowning achievement was domination of Julio Cesar Chavez (though judges called the fight a draw).

4. Roy Jones Jr.: Virtually untouchable in his prime. He was such a special talent that he rose to heavyweight and won a share of that world title.

5. Oscar De La Hoya: Carried boxing on his golden shoulders. Fought everyone from Chavez to Mayweather to Bernard Hopkins, and won titles at six weights.

6. Evander Holyfield: Amazing overachiever was the best cruiserweight in history and went on to beat Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson at heavyweight.

7. Michael Spinks: Forget the loss to Tyson at heavyweight; he was a brilliant boxer and huge right-hand puncher in a lengthy reign at 175 pounds.

8. Andre Ward: Already in the top two or three of today’s pound-for-pound rankings. He has the potential to rise even higher.

9. Michael Carbajal: It’s not easy for a 108-pounder to be named Fighter of the Year, but Carbajal did so. He raised the profile of the lighter weights as much as any other fighter.

10. Virgil Hill: A master boxer who enjoyed a pair of reigns as light heavyweight champion. He was beaten only once, by Hearns, during an awesome 10-year title run.

Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., will face Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KO’s) in the Saturday’s ShoBox 10-round main event.

The five 2012 U.S. Olympians – heavyweight Dominic Breazeale, of Anaheim, Calif., cruiserweight Marcus Browne, of Staten Island, N.Y., super middleweight Terrell Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, junior middleweight Errol Spence, of Desoto, Texas, and bantamweight Rau’Shee Warren, of Cincinnati, Ohio – will box in four-round pro debut fights.

Breazeale takes on Curtis Tate (4-3, 4 KOs), of Oakland, Tenn., Browne will meet Codale Ford (2-0), of Fort Gibson, Okla., Gausha will face Dustin Caplinger (2-3, 1 KO) of Chillicothe, Ohio, Spence will be opposed by Jonathan Garcia (3-3, 1 KO), of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and Warren collides with Luis Rivera of Ponce, Puerto Rico (1-2).

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first live fight at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, , www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

Olympians To Be Joined By 2008 United States Olympian & Undefeated Featherweight Top Prospect Gary Russell Jr. Who Headlines The Event Against Roberto Castaneda

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 AT 12:00 P.M. PT

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

WHO: GARY RUSSELL JR.,2008 United States Olympian & Top Undefeated Featherweight

Prospect

DOMINIC BREAZEALE,2012 United States Olympian & 2012 United States Heavyweight National Champion

MARCUS BROWNE,2012 United States Olympian & 2012 United States Light Heavyweight National Champion

TERRELL GAUSHA,2012 United States Olympian & 2012 Two-Time United States Middleweight National Champion

ERROL SPENCE,2012 United States Olympian & Three-Time United States Welterweight National Champion

RAU’SHEE WARREN,First American Boxer To Compete InThree Olympic Games (2004, 2008 & 2012)

WHAT: Gary Russell Jr. and five 2012 United States Olympians making their professional debuts will host a public media workout at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., as they prepare for their Nov. 9 fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino which will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME®.

*Note fighter workouts are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & fans are encouraged to arrive early!

WHEN: Wednesday, November 7

12:00 p.m. – Media Arrival/Luncheon

1:00 p.m. – Dominic Breazeale

1:30 p.m. – Terrell Gausha

2:00 p.m. – Gary Russell Jr.

2:30 p.m. – Rau’Shee Warren

3:00 p.m. – Errol Spence

3:30 p.m. – Marcus Browne

WHERE: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Events Center

84-245 Indio Springs Drive

Indio, CA 92203

FACTS: “Night Of The Olympians,” which is headlined by a ten-round featherweight bout between 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. and featherweight prospect Roberto Castaneda and features the professional debuts of 2012 United States Olympians Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spence and Rau’Shee Warren, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night with the first at 5:30 p.m. PT. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

TICKETS: Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available for purchase at the Fantasy

Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

LOS ANGELES, November 2 – Due to a broken rib, Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev has been forced out of his November 9 fight against unbeaten featherweight contender Gary Russell Jr. and Mexicali’s Roberto Castaneda will be stepping in to face Russell Jr. in the main event of ShoBox: The Next Generation from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

The 10 round main event will be preceded by the professional debuts of five members of the 2012 United States Olympic Boxing team: Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spence and Rau’shee Warren.

As a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, top featherweight contender Gary Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KO’s) knows what it’s like to be in the shoes of the 2012 Olympians and he’s a shining example of what talent, desire and determination can achieve once you enter the professional game. Unbeaten and one of the premier 126-pound fighters in the game, the 24-year-old southpaw from Capitol Heights, Maryland was in top form in his last fight, a June stoppage of Christopher Perez. Now, he is closing in on a world title shot and looking to join the impressive fraternity of boxers, some 44 and counting, who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to win world titles.

21-year-old Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KO’s) Mexicali, Mexico has won two of his last three fights, with the only defeat coming against highly-regarded Christopher Martin in June. The Mexicali, Mexico native has been fighting professionally since the age of 17, making it evident that despite his youth, he has the ring experience boxers his age can only dream of. The hard-hitting prospect aims to show that he belongs among the elite at 126 pounds by upsetting Russell Jr.

“Night Of The Olympians,” which is headlined by a ten-round featherweight bout between 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. and featherweight prospect Roberto Castaneda and features the professional debuts of 2012 United States Olympians Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spence and Rau’Shee Warren, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night with the first at 5:30 p.m. PT. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

The former world champion boxer with the distinctive nickname, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, will greet fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. prior to the November 9 edition of ShoBox: The New Generation featuring five 2012 American Olympic boxers making their professional debuts along with unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. facing Vyacheslav Gusev in the evening’s main event.

Following a stellar amateur career, Mancini made the jump to the professional game in 1978. His whirlwind punching style caught the attention of network executives at several American television networks, and he became a regular on their sports programming. During this time, Mancini defeated some excellent opponents, including former United States Champion Norman Goins.

He held the World Boxing Association lightweight championship title from 1982 to 1984 and when Mancini retired officially in 1992, he left the game with an impressive record of 29-5 with 23 knockouts. His legacy also included his inspirational story of a young champion who had won the title as much for his family as for himself. The essence of this story was captured in a made-for-television movie based on Mancini’s life.

Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet and greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

“Night Of The Olympians” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (October 12, 2012) – They proudly represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London this past summer and now it’s time for five of the finest American amateur boxers—Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spencer and Rau’shee Warren—to begin their quest for gold as professionals. On Friday, Nov. 9, SHOWTIME will present a special edition of ShoBox: The Next Generation featuring their professional debuts from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In the evening’s main event, unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. will battle Vyacheslav Gusev in a 10 round fight.

“Night Of The Olympians” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night with the first at 5:30 p.m. PT. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

As a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, top featherweight contender Gary Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KO’s) knows what it’s like to be in the shoes of the 2012 Olympians and he’s a shining example of what talent, desire and determination can achieve once you enter the professional game. Unbeaten and one of the premier 126-pound fighters in the game, the 24-year-old southpaw from Capitol Heights, Maryland was in top form in his last fight, a June stoppage of Christopher Perez. Now, he is closing in on a world title shot and looking to join the impressive fraternity of boxers, some 44 and counting, who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to win world titles.

“The ShoBox series has introduced our audience to the new generation of world champions throughout its 10-year history,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer ShoBox and Vice President of Production, SHOWTIME Sports. “We are proud to showcase these young fighters as they begin their journey from prospects to contender.

“With an Olympian turned prospect and now moving toward contender status in Gary Russell, Jr.,” Hall continued. “these Olympians need look no further than the main event to see the path that they must take.”

Prokopyevsk, Russia’s Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2, 5 KO’s) is a nine year professional who has started to fulfill his world championship potential in the ring. A decorated competitor with several regional titles to his name, the 26-year-old began making his mark in 2010 as he began a four-fight winning streak that he will bring into the ring with him on November 9. In his most recent fight on April 30, he rose from the canvas to decision Padjai Yongyuthgym and he plans on handing Russell his first defeat this fall.

A former quarterback for the University of Northern Colorado, 27-year-old Dominic Breazeale only began boxing three and a half years ago, but the 6-foot-6 heavyweight made an immediate impact, winning a U.S. national championship and earning a spot on the 2012 Olympic team. Opting to stay with the sweet science instead of returning to football, Breazeale has the raw talent and determination to give the United States a serious heavyweight threat in the coming years.

Three-time New York Golden Gloves, 2012 national and 2010 PAL champion Marcus Browne is a versatile light heavyweight southpaw who learned his craft in Staten Island, New York under the tutelage of Gary Stark Sr. and Teddy Atlas. Able to box or bang, the affable 21-year-old has the skill and charisma to make plenty of noise in the 175-pound division.

Cleveland’s Terrell Gausha was a two-time U.S. national champion before earning his spot on Team U.S.A. at the London Games. Gausha defeated Armenia’s Andranik Hakobyan by referee stoppage in his first Olympic fight. Now taking his talents to the professional game, the 24-year-old middleweight is seen as one of the most promising young fighters to emerge from the 2012 games.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, 22-year-old Errol Spence began boxing at the age of 15, and he won three consecutive U.S. amateur championships before securing a spot in the London Olympics, where he won fights over boxers from Brazil and India before a quarterfinal loss to Russia’s entrant knocked him out of medal contention. Disappointed, but not discouraged, Spence is eager to begin his professional journey in the junior middleweight division on November 9.

The first American boxer to make three Olympic teams, Rau’shee Warren now looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Cincinnati fighters such as Ezzard Charles, Aaron Pryor and Adrien Broner by earning a professional world championship belt. A 2007 world amateur champion, the 25-year-old Warren won his first fight at the age of eight and he hasn’t looked back, competing in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Now he’s ready to take the next step in his career as a professional bantamweight and make the great boxing city of Cincinnati proud.

Opponents for the five Olympians in their respective four round bouts will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

Cornelius Bundarge scored his second knockout victory over former two-division champion Cory Spinks to retian the IBF Jr. Middleweight champion at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Bundrage dropped Spinks with a perfectly timed right hand and that set the tone for the rest of the fight. The fight was sloppy with punching in the clinches, holding and takedowns that marred the action along with a handful of low blows from Bundrage.

Spinks began to tire in the middle rounds but he stayed competitive with a decent body attack.

In round seven, Bundrage dropped Spinks with a hard right to the head. The back of Spinks head slammed off the canvas and he was able to get to his feet. It wouldn’t be for long as Bundrage landed a sweeping right hand that sent Spinks down for a second time in the round. Spinks, clearly with his legs gone tried to ecscape Bundrage for the rest of the round but he was sent down just as Ray Corona stopped the bout at 2:32 of round seven.

Bundrage, 153 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 32-4-1 with nineteen knockouts. Spinks, 153 3/4 lbs of St. Louis is now 39-7.

Sensational Featherweight prospect blasted out Christopher Perez in three rounds of a scheduled ten round bout.

Russell dropped Perez in round two with a wicked combination. In round three, Russell landed a blistering left that knocked Perez through the ropes. Perez continued but ate a combination that sent him down for a third time. The fight was over when Russell landed a perfectly time right hook and referee Pat Russell stopped the fight upon the fourth knockdown of the fight (Third of the round) at 1:41 of round three.

Russell, 126 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 20-0 with twelve knockouts. Perez, 126 1/2 lbs of Culican, MX is now 23-3.

Jr. Middleweight contender Erislandy Lara bloodied, battered and butted his way to a easy ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez.

Lara worked very well to the body and mixed in combinations to the head. Hernandez began to swell from the right eye in early as round three and Hernandez was cut around the left eye from the fifth round. In round seven, Lara was deducted a point for a blatant headbutt that caused bleeding from the right.

That seemed to energize Hernandez but he was outskilled in every facet as Lara landed some hard counter shots and short shots while being able to stay clear of any flush shots of Hernandez.

Lara, 155 lbs of Guantanamo, Cuba won by scores of 95-94, 98-91 and 99-90 and is now 17-1-1. Hernandez, 154 1/4 lbs of Mexico City is now 30-3-1.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that hot Featherweight prospect Gary Russell has been forced to withdraw from next Saturday’s Showtime televised fight due to an ankle injury.

“It was a misstep in the ring when he was training,” Said Golden Boy Promotions Richard. “Nothing is broken. It’s a sprain, but he can’t train and he can’t fight. It’s nothing that serious but nevertheless the doctor said he shouldn’t put any weight on it for the next two to three weeks and that he needs to let it rest. The good news is nothing is broken.”

“He really wanted to fight,” Schaefer said. “It was a Showtime card, good exposure. He tried to find a way to get it better but obviously that was not the case.”

Russell (19-0, 11 KOs) had been scheduled to face Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KOs) but Nguyen dropped out of the bout recently because of what Golden Boy Promotions termed “managerial issues.” Golden Boy had been looking for a new opponent for Russell to face

Schaefer said Russell, who also has nursed hand injuries, will return on June 30 on a Showtime card that Golden Boy is planning to take place in Washington, D.C., Russell’s hometown. It would be Russell’s first professional bout in his hometown.

LOS ANGELES, January 26 – To round out the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing tripleheader headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment have announced two more high-impact fights from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 11..

In a 10-round junior middleweight showdown before the main event, Cuban star Erislandy Lara returns for the first time since his controversial fight against Paul Williams to battle fellow contender Ronald Hearns. Opening the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup which will see unbeaten Gary Russell Jr., the consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” award winner, look to continue his meteoric rise against Dat Nguyen.

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The co-featured fights will see top contenders Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns square off and 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr. take on Dat Nguyen. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard telecast will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

One of Cuba’s greatest amateur boxers and the owner of three consecutive national championships and one world championship, Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) defected from his homeland in order to chase glory as a professional and he is well on the way to achieving that goal. Unbeaten in his first 16 professional fights, Lara was the victim of one of the most controversial decisions in recent history last July when judges awarded former World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams a 12 round decision win in a fight most observers believed the Guantanamo native won. Undeterred, the 28-year-old will be back in the ring on Feb. 11 and is determined to be the lone judge on fight night.

The name “Hearns” is royalty in boxing circles thanks to the exploits of soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. The Hitman’s son, 33-year-old Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s), is doing his best to continue the family business into the next generation. A professional since 2004, the lanky boxer-puncher has won five of his last six fights, with the only loss coming in a middleweight title bout against Felix Sturm in 2011. Now back at 154 pounds, Hearns feels stronger, faster and ready to issue Lara his second straight defeat.

Named the 2011 “Prospect of the Year” by ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Ring Magazine, 23-year-old Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s) earned those accolades the old fashioned way – by fighting. The Maryland southpaw was 6-0 last year, fighting as often as possible, dazzling fans and opponents alike along the way. Now ready to make his move on the featherweight elite, Russell can’t wait to surpass his 2012 campaign with even more big wins.

Vietnam native Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO’s) is an ultra-tough competitor known for his straight-ahead style and willingness to go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares step into the ring with him. Winner of six of his last seven bouts, the 29-year-old, who now makes his home in Vero Beach, Florida, is hoping that a win over the unbeaten Russell will be the catalyst for a 2012 to remember for him.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

A year ends with memories of those who are gone, optimism for those who are emerging and hope for those who are back. There are lessons from unresolved controversies and controversy that never ends. Farewell Joe Frazier, Genaro Hernandez, Ron Lyle, Henry Cooper, George Benton, Nick Charles and George Kimball. It won’t be the same without you. Hello Andre Ward, Nonito Donaire, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Seth Mitchell, James Kirkland, Gary Russell Jr. and Jose Benavidez Jr. You’re the future.

Those new calendars in the mail are an empty canvas. Opinions and predictions are as irresistible as they are frivolous and about as forgettable as graffiti. Here are a few – the good, the bad and the tongue-in-cheek. But, first, a warning. For anybody who takes any of them seriously, remember that I picked Alfredo Angulo to beat Kirkland, who got up from a first-round knockdown and made the prediction game look foolish with a sixth-round stoppage.

Now, a look at what might – and might not — unfold:

Opinion: There’s a better chance of Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather in 2012 than there is of a fourth fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao-Marquez IV would look a lot like II and III. What’s the point? It would end in just another noisy controversy about who won. Fair or not, Marquez’ legacy rests on the brilliant way he made Pacquiao look beatable. In subtle adjustments from round-to-round last November, he forced Pacquiao to hesitate and think. It was enough to prevent Pacquiao, an instinctive fighter, from establishing a rhythm. Allow Pacquiao to get on a roll, and there’s no stopping him.

Prediction: Marquez, who keeps his promises, retires

Opinion: Somebody needs to convince Mayweather that his 90-day jail sentence on reduced charges for his role in domestic abuse is a chance to think about a legacy he has put in jeopardy. If he stays out of trouble and vows to devote the next few years to his evident talent, he still can achieve the respect he always believes has been denied him. That respect isn’t an entitlement. It’s won by fighting through adversity. For the first time in his career, he is facing some that he can’t trash-talk or side step. It’s the biggest fight of his life.

Prediction: Mayweather beats Lamont Peterson three months after his release.

Opinion: Mayweather advisor Al Haymon is the elusive powerbroker, whose influence is there, yet hard to quantify. There is power, perhaps, in the mystery. Mayweather has called the publicity-shy Haymon “The Ghost.’’

Prediction: Ghosts will get quoted more often than Haymon.

Opinion: Pacquiao will have to restore some lost confidence after getting a majority decision over Marquez in fight he halting called “not so happy.’’ He also has to find a way to solve troublesome leg cramps, which he says affected him in victories over Shane Mosley and Marquez. The fractured confidence should be easy enough to repair for the Filipino Congressman and lieutenant colonel. But the cramping is another issue. It might be a sign, an early symptom, of a fighter one step past his prime.

Prediction: Pacquiao beats Tim Bradley, then Miguel Cotto in a rematch and gets promoted to major general.

Opinion: World Boxing Council chief Jose Sulaiman is issuing statements and clarifications faster than interim titles. This time, he’s trying to say he didn’t really mean to tell the Filipino media that “beating a lady … it is not a major sin or crime.” In a subsequent statement, he said that he “developed female boxing.’’ Memo to women who hold one of the WBC’s lime-green belts: Do what Riddick Bowe did in 1992 and dump it in the nearest garbage can.

Prediction: Sulaiman will say something stupid.

Opinion: We’re just beginning to see how good Ward can be. With news that he beat a Carl Froch with a left hand fractured in two places, we’re also beginning to see how tough he is. A reported audience of fewer than 500,000 watched his victory on Dec. 17 over Froch in Showtime’s final of the Super Six Tournament. That was disappointing.

Prediction: After the hand heals, he’ll win two in 2012, pushing his record to 27-0. This time, more than 500,000 will watch his patient, yet sure path to pound-for-pound contention.

Opinion: Questions loom as to whether Canelo-Chavez Jr., will ever happen because Chavez Jr. a junior-middleweight, is said to be at about 180 pounds at opening bell. If Chavez Jr. is too heavy for Canelo, he’s too heavy for Miguel Cotto. The weight issue might force Chavez Jr. into a fight with Sergio Martinez late in 2012.

Prediction: Martinez wins a late-round stoppage.

Opinion: People close to Antonio Margarito have urged him to retire. Even if his surgically-repaired eye can withstand further punches, the tissue around it cannot. After years of sustained punishment, it doesn’t take much for it to lacerate and swell. That was evident early in his loss on Dec. 3 to Cotto.

Prediction: A defiant Margarito continues to fight, bleed and lose in Mexico.

Opinion: Referees struggled throughout 2011 to get it right. Russell Mora missed 11 low blows in Abner Mares’ first victory over Joseph Agbeko. Joe Cortez was looking away, toward the timekeeper, when Mayweather dropped Victor Ortiz, whose hands were down and his eyes on Cortez. Joe Cooper took two points from Amir Khan for pushing off Peterson. If Cooper warned Khan, it was only evident after careful review of the tape long after Khan’s loss on the scorecards was announced. Cooper’s penalties were the difference.

Prediction: More instant replay. It works in the NFL. Nobody has a tougher job than boxing’s lone ref. Let technology be his ally.

Opinion: Top Rank and Golden Boy, Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya, will continue to exchange insults instead of letting their respective fighters exchange punches.

Prediction: A year from now, we’ll be talking about whether Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen in 2013.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Jr. Middleweight Erislandy Lara will take on former world title challenger Ronald Hearns plus undefeated Featherweight prospect will see action on the Victor Ortiz – Andre Berto undercard that will take place on February 11th on Showtime. All three bouts will be televised.

“We are happy to have Lara back in the ring and I have a feeling it will be a great 2012 for him. This fight is only going to be the start of a great year for him,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. “At 154 pounds he is a threat to anyone and we are also excited about having Gary on the card. He’s one of the best prospects in boxing.”

“I think it’s a good fight and a good fight for Lara to stay sharp in and then move on to bigger and better things,” said Luis DeCubas Jr. who manages Lara. “We’re really pleased to be on such a big card. Ronald comes from a good background. He’s tall and lanky and has good power like his dad (newly elected International Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns) and I think Lara deals well with tall, lanky guys. I just have to get the kid back in the ring. I would love a huge fight for him, but he has to just get back in the ring.”

“Ronald is the right guy for Lara to shine against,” DeCubas said. “Lara wants to fight the best guys in the world but they won’t fight him, so let’s see where this takes us. Lara is willing to move up a few pounds to show he would be a good candidate to fight (middleweight champ) Sergio Martinez or any other top middleweight.

“It’s an interesting fight because Ronald can really punch and he is the bigger man than Lara,” said Lou DiBella, Hearns’ promoter. “This is definitely a winnable fight for Ronald and I know he’s going there to win.”

Andre Berto won his second Welterweight championship after capturing the IBF portion when reigning champion Jan Zaveck could not continue after round five of their clash at The Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The two set a good pace early with Berto displaying lightning hand speed but Zaveck seemed unimpressed as he trucked forward and was solid with the right. Berto had a good round three as he pounded the body of Zaveck by doubling up his hooks. Zaveck had a good round four as he started working to the body and got through with good combination’s’.

Round five was an intense round with both guys landed hard shots. Zaveck landed a good right to open the round. The two traded nice uppercuts in the center of the ring. It was Berto, who showed the war scars as he had a mouse forming under his left eye. Berto’s hard shot formed swelling around the right eye of Zaveck. The landed another over hand right to end the round.

When Zaveck sat down in the corner, there was blood on the right eyelid and swelling from the left eye. he told his corner he couldn’t see but wanted to continue. The corner won out and the bout was stopped before round six could commence.

Berto, who was coming off his professional loss to Victor Ortiz but won back a sliice of the welterweight title and is now 28-2 with twenty-two knockouts. Zaveck of Slovenia was making his American debut put up a tough effort but is now 31-2.

Featherweight Super Prospect Gary Russell Jr. scored a dominating eight round unanimous decision over Leonilo Miranda.

Russell Jr. showed incredible handspeed and had Miranda in trouble on a few occasions. Russell had a big round four as he landed some big body combinations and then came upstairs to the head. In round six, Russell ripped off a ten punch combination that had Miranda to the point that he ducked under the top rope to avoid anymore damage. those big punches opened up a cut around the right eye of Miranda.

Russell cruised downed the stretch and showed glimpses of the brilliance that many boxing insiders beleive he could be one of the next stars on the American circuit.

Russell of Capitol Heights, Maryland won by scores of 80-72; 80-72 and 79-72 to remain perfect at 18-0. Miranda of Mexico is now 32-4-1.

It was a clean sweep for DiBella Entertainment (DBE) stable-mates Thomas Oosthuzien, Randall Bailey, Luis Orlandito Del Valle and Ivan Redkach earlier in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the undercard of tonight’s live HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, featuring former WBC Welterweight Champion, Andre Berto looking to reclaim a piece of the welterweightr crown when he takes on reigning IBF Champion, Jan Zaveck.

In a very entertaining fight, South Africa’s Oosthuzien defended his IBO Super Middleweight Title with a twleve round unanimous decision victory over Aaron Pryor Jr. The southpaw, Oosthuzien who was making both his U.S. and DBE debut, was able to work behind a vicious body attack to outwork Pryor for most of the fight. Pryor hung tough, and did some good work of his own, causing a nasty cut to open over Oosthuzien’s right eye, but in the end Oosthuzien was the much busier of the two, winning by scores of 117-11 on all three judge’s scorecards.

IBF #2 rated welterweight, Randall “The K.O. King” Bailey improved to 42-7, 36KO’s with a dominate ten round unanimous decision over Yoryi Estrella. Bailey, the manadatory challenger to tonight’s main event winner, controlled the action throughout, dropping Estrella with an uppercut in the 5th round, before going on to win by scores of 100-89, 100-89, 98-91.

Del Valle knocked out Anthony Napunyi with a tremendous overhand right, improving to a perfect 14-0, 11KO’s. Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of round three.

Redkach improved to a 8-0, 7KO’s stopping Vernon Alston (4-2, 4KO’s) in the third round of their scheduled six round lightweight contest.

In the opening bout of the evening, Gerald Jordon (8-5-1, 5KO’s) scored an upset six round split decision over previously undefeated welterweight Sergio Vartanov (9-1, 6KO’s).

Follow all the action LIVE as Jan Zaveck defends the IBF Welterweight title against former WBC champion Andre Berto. The action begins at 10:30 pm eastern/7:30 Pacific and 4:30 am on Sunday in Slovenia with a Featherweight bout between hot shot prospect Gary Russell Jr. and Leonilo Miranda.

12 ROUNDS–IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–JAN ZAVECK (31-1, 18 KO’S) vs ANDRE BERTO (27-1, 21 KO’S)

Round 1: Overhand right from Zaveck..Body shots from each guy..Good right from Berto..10-10

Round 2: Berto lands a hook to the body…left hook to the body..Zaveck lands a combination…Triple left from Berto…Good right from Zaveck..20-19 Berto

Round 3: Double left hook from Berto…Hard body shots…more work to the body…30-28 Berto

Round 4: Zaveck lands a good body shot and then a combination..left and right..couple good head shots..Good left..39-38 Berto

Round 5: zaveck lands a good right..mouse under the left eye of Berto..trading uppercuts…good left to the body from Berto…Good counter from Zaveck off the ropes…Swelling under the left eye of Berto while Zaveck’s right eye us closing..Zaveck lands a left to the body and right to the head …Berto fires back with a good over hand right…Zaveck’s eye is looking bad…..49-47 Berto

ZAVECK SAYS HE CANT SEE AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED AFTER ROUND 5–WINNER AND NEW IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION—ANDRE BERTO

8 ROUNDS–FEATHERWEIGHTS–GARY RUSSELL JR (17-0, 10 KO’s) vs LEONILO MIRANDA (32-3, 30 KO’S)

Round 1: Russell lands a good right hook…10-9 Russell

Round 2 Russell effective with the jab throughout the round…20-18 Russell

Round 3: Russell trying to walk down Miranda with the jab…30-27 Russell

Round 4: Russell lands 2 right hooks to the body…body shots..hook to the chin…Taking a part Miranda…Flurry of body and head punches from Russell..40-36 Russell

Round 5: Tremendous handspeed wobbles Miranda…50-45 Russell

Round 6: Russell blazing handpeed rips off ten punch combo that has Miranda ducking between the ropes…Miranda bleeding from the right eye…60-54 Russell

Round 7: Russell ripping body punches…70-63 Russell

Round 8: Russell on cruise control..domination…hard right hook…80-72 Russell

80-72; 80-72; 79-72 GARY RUSSELL JR.