Ardreal Holmes Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Edwin Junior Jimenez in a battle of undefeated junior middleweights in Flint, Michigan.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 17-0. Jimenez, 153.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 9-1.

Joey Spencer won a 10-round majority decision over Miguel Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

Spencer, 159 lbs of Linden, MI won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 19-1. Hernandez, 159.2 lbs of Dallas is 9-1.

Samantha Worthington remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jaica Pavilus in a junior welterweight fight.

In round six, Worthington was cut along the left eye.

Worthington, 138.6 lbs of Lexington, KY won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 10-0. Pavilus, 134 lbs of New York City is 4-7-1.

Da’Velle Smith remained undefeated with an eight-round majority decision over William Townsel in a super middleweight fight.

Smith, 164.6 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 11-0. Townsel, 160.6 lbs of Portsmouth, VA is 8-2.

FLINT, Mich., (December 10, 2024)– Ahead of Thursday night’s “BIG TIME BOXING USA” event taking place live at Dort Financial Center in Flint, hometown star and No. 8-ranked IBF Junior Middleweight Ardreal Holmes, Jr and Michigan’s surging contender Joey Spencer joined a media open workout last Friday at Berston Field House in Flint, Mich.

On Tuesday, Holmes also worked out in front of the media at Berston and was joined by the undefeated Samantha Worthington, who takes on Jaica Pavilus and fellow women’s boxer Caroline Veyre of Montreal, who will take Gabriela Bouvier in a 10-round bout for the WBC International Featherweight Title. In addition, Macomb’s Kahmel Makled alsoparticipated as he prepares to make his pro boxing debut.

This will be the sixth “BIG TIME BOXING USA” card since the series launched in February and is inarguably the series’ strongest lineup to date from top to bottom, including Michigan’s Da’Velle Smith. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts airing live on DAZN (8p ET/5p PT), the undisputed global home of boxing. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office.

Ardreal Holmes Jr., who, if successful on Thursday, will be on the doorstep of competing for his first world title, said: “This is a dream come true for me, and I can’t wait for Thursday night. 

“I can’t believe this is happening really. I still feel like the kid riding his bike down the street. Now, I feel like my dream is finally coming true. I hope the city of Flint comes out to see it.

“I feel like I have sacrificed and dedicated myself to become a world champion. I’ve been coming to the gym since I was 11 or 12 years old, and I thank my promoter Dmitriy Salita.”

On headlining in his hometown once again “It’s indescribable. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was 15. I’m 15 years in, and I feel like I’m just starting out. A lot of these fighters on the card, I came up with them. It feels like the amateurs all over again. I’m just happy to see everyone get to that new level and compete alongside them. It feels like a real-life action move. I can’t wait to get out there and see what everyone else has been working on.”

On balancing his training “It’s still a learning experience. Sometimes, I still overwork myself because I want it that bad. This fight, I will be way sharper. In the last fight, I felt that I had overworked myself. This time, I eased up on the gas a little bit, and I feel much sharper. Boxing is one of those sports where a loss can set you back tremendously, so every time I go out there, I need to be the sharpest.”

Samantha Worthington:

“After a couple of Olympic runs, I decided to make the move to become a professional. Starting my career with multiple knockouts affirmed my decision and let me know I was right where I was supposed to be.

“I don’t plan for knockouts. They sort of just come. I scored my first knockout when I was 13 years old and was like, ‘Oh my gosh. What did I just do?’ That power has always been there for me, so it just comes naturally.

“Claressa (Shields, her friend and co-promoter) and I were on Team USA together a couple of times. The first time was when we were both on the Youth Championships team in 2013, so we just became best friends. Fast forward to 2015, we were both on Team USA. We continued to grow that friendship. When I turned pro, she was always there, advocating for me and being that mentor. It’s really special and full circle moment in our careers, being the first fighter she has signed in her promotion.”

Joey Spencer:

“When I was younger, guys like Ardreal Holmes Jr. were the people I idolized. They were the ones doing what I wanted to do. Fighters like Claressa [Shields] were the people who set the standard for the ones coming up.

“I’ve been at most of the cards these guys have fought on just to be there in support. I’ve always wanted to fight at the Dort Financial Center. It is sort of a bucket list thing for people in this area.”

Caroline Veyre:

“I’ve been training for this fight for the past two months, and everything went great during training camp. My opponent is going to be tough, and we both have our sights set on that belt.

“I’ve fought 10 rounds once before and this is what we have trained for.

“I am very familiar with the rich boxing tradition and history in Detroit and Flint, the home of Claressa Shields. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. No predictions, but I’m ready for a war if it has to be a war.”

Kahmel Makled:

“I am extremely excited. Blessed, to say the least. It wouldn’t be possible without my team, my manager, Salita Promotions, and DAZN to let me be on the card. It’s special. It’s something I worked for a very long time.

“I had about 30 amateur fights, so relatively short compared to some other guys. I was ranked in the top ten in the country at 189 pounds, and I was a two-time Detroit Golden Glove Champion.

“I know that my opponent (Dominque Dunning) has a decent amount of MMA experience, but this is also his pro debut in boxing.

“There are many reasons why I got into boxing, but the biggest reason is that I have always been obsessed with boxing. I loved boxing when I was a kid; I loved watching it. My parents weren’t a huge fan of it, so it was set in stone once I turned 18, and team sports were not a thing. After my first boxing lesson, there were no more questions.”

DETROIT (December 4, 2024)– Salita Promotions has announced the main and co-main opponents for local boxing standouts undefeated Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes Jr., from Flint and once-beaten and highly touted Joey Spencer from Fenton on Thursday, December 12^th in the return of “BIG TIME BOXING USA” to the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich.

Both Holmes (16-0, 6 KOs) and Spencer (18-1, 11 KOs) will face undefeated prospects in 10-round super welterweight and middleweight fights, respectively. In the main event Holmes continues his pursuit of a world title when he takes on the rugged, unbeaten 24-year-old Haitian Edwine Humaine Junior, from Springfield, Mass. Spencer will be put to the test against 26-year-old Miguel Angel Hernandez from Dallas, Texas. Humaine and Hernandez boast matching 9-0 records with seven KOs.

This will be the sixth BIG TIME BOXING USA card since the series launched and is inarguably the series’ strongest lineup to date from top to bottom. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts now finalized and airing live on DAZN, the undisputed global home of boxing. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office. 

“This series is designed to build champions through competitive matchups, and this fight card exemplifies that mission,” Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions said. “With a combined record of 70 wins and just 2 losses among three of the televised bouts, the numbers speak for themselves. This fight card is packed with thrilling, evenly matched contests.

“For boxing to thrive, we must do two things. Most importantly, engage fans across the country by delivering world-class matchups featuring local talent with world championship potential. Michigan is a hotbed of exceptional talent and is serving as a proving ground for prospects on the rise. Secondly, promoting boxing means telling stories – on radio, in newspapers, on TV – and incorporating these elements into our series in order to drive success. As we close out 2024 with our best BIG TIME BOXING USA show to date, we’re building momentum heading into 2025 and continuing to establish this platform as the premier stage for talent development in boxing.”

Also featured on the televised card is undefeated Da’Velle Smith (10-0, 8 KOs) from Detroit who looks to extend his unbeaten streak when he takes on talented upstart William Townsel (8-1, 6 KOs) of Virgina Beach, Va., in an eight-round super middleweight opening TV bout on DAZN,

Surging talent Samantha Worthington (9-0, 7 KOs) from Folsom, Calif., by way of Lexington, Ky., posts a perfect record in the women’s super lightweight division and takes on Jaica Pavilus (4-6-1, 1 KO) of New York City. The 140-pound division is ruled by unified champion Katie Taylor who made headlines just two weeks ago with her close unanimous decision win over Amanda Serrano in one of the year’s best fights.

“All eyes in women’s boxing are on Katie Taylor at the moment, who I thought put on a great performance against Amanda Serrano,” Worthington said. “Both are true warriors of the sport, and I have so much respect for them. There’s nothing I want more than a future date with either Katie or Amanda and an impressive win December 12^th gets me that much closer to that goal.”

Worthington is ranked No. 2 in the IBF, No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBC and WBA at 140 pounds and promoted by the “GWOAT”, unified women’s world champion and Flint native Claressa Shields and T-Rex Promotions.

Salita recently announced his new heavyweight signee Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs) out of Brooklyn, N.Y., who will make his debut under the Salita Promotions banner in a non-televised bout. Taylor is a former New York Golden Gloves champion and college basketball player with unlimited potential. He faces the untested KeShawn Jackson out of Kalamazoo, Mich.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

DETROIT (November 12, 2024)– Salita Promotions returns to Flint, Mich., on Thursday, December 12 with the next edition of BIG TIME BOXING USA, the sport’s leading talent developmental series, featuring a fight card loaded with some of boxing’s top prospects, including Michigan’s Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes Jr., Joey Spencer, Da’Velle “Hitman 2.0” Smith and Leon Lawson III.

This will be the sixth BIG TIME BOXING USA card since the series launched in February and is inarguably the series’ strongest lineup to date from top to bottom. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts airing live on DAZN, the undisputed global home of boxing. Tickets for the event go on sale on Wednesday at 11 am ET and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office. 

After successfully defending his USBA Junior Middleweight title in September, Flint native Holmes (16-0, 6 KOs) returns to his hometown to put his title on the line once again in the main event against an experienced challenger, French veteran Ahmed El Mousaoui (35-6-1, 9 KOs).

Fan favorite Spencer (18-1, 11 KOs) from nearby Fenton, Mich., will contest a 10-round bout at 160 pounds. Spencer has rebounded with two wins since suffering his lone defeat to undefeated, highly rated Jesus Ramos in March 2023.

Spencer will fight for the second time as a professional in his home state of Michigan. “It was the best experience to fight in front of fans and friends from all over the state,” Spencer said. “I grew up fighting alongside Ardreal Holmes and Leon Lawson – training and traveling together to tournaments and even sparring one another as we grew into the same weight class.

“Big Time Boxing is a very cool series and Dmitriy Salita is doing a lot for Michigan boxing. I’m psyched for Dec. 12, and will be ready to put on a show.”

“My team and I are proud to announce the strongest BIG TIME BOXING USA fight card to date,” Salita said. “Since the series launched in February we have been building and growing this series to become the premier talent developmental platform for young fighters and this fight card is the best of them all. We thank DAZN for providing the global platform for these fighters to shine and earn their shot at a world title. And we thank the fans of Flint for supporting their hometown heroes and the sport of boxing overall. We had a terrific show in September at the Dort Financial Center and this fight card is even more loaded with hard-hitting talent.” 

Smith, who has been touted as Detroit’s finest, undefeated middleweight prospect since Tommy Hearns, is coming off an impressive victory over Gilberto Pereira dos Santos in Puerto Rico last month. Smith is 10-0 with 8 knockouts and looks to build on his momentum when he returns to the ring against William Townsel (8-1, 6 KOs) from Virginia Beach. This matchup represents the first big test for Smith, who is regarded as the second coming of the legendary Hearns for his combination of speed, power and physique. Townsel previously upset Nadim Salloum, who was 12-1 coming into the bout, on the March edition ofBIG TIME BOXING USA.

Flint native Lawson (16-1, 9 KOs), cousin of Anthony and Andre Dirrell, is back after an impressive performance in September when he dominated Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron to earn his second-straight TKO. Lawson’s super welterweight opponent is to be determined. Additionally, former world title challenger Byron Rojas (28-4-3, 11 KOs) will fight on the card.

Surging talent Samantha Worthington (9-0, 7 KOs) from Lexington, Ky., will compete for the third time in 2024 as she defends her undefeated record in a women’s super lightweight bout. Worthington is ranked No. 2 in the IBF, No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBC and WBA at 140 pounds. Worthington is promoted by the “GWOAT”, unified women’s world champion and Flint native Claressa Shields and T-Rex Promotions. Shields and Worthington were U.S. Olympic teammates in 2016.

Shields added that Worthington is a fighter Flint fans won’t want to miss. “Samantha is going to showcase the relentless work ethic and tremendous skill that first caught my eye and are pushing her up the rankings,” Shields said. “Samantha is on a path to challenge the sport’s top fighters, with future world title bouts against the likes of Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano well within her reach. Michigan fans, get ready to watch a rising star in women’s boxing right in your own backyard.”

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around

Ardreal Holmes Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Hugo Noriega in a junior middleweight bout in Flint, Michigan.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 16-0. Noriega, 153.2 lbs of Miami is 10-3,

Joseph Hicks remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ronnie Austion in a junior middleweight bout.

Hicks. 155.8 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 11-0. Austion, 155.8 lbs of Detroit is 10-3.

Da’Velle Smith remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Esau Herrera De La Cruz in a six-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Smith dropped De La Cruz with a right hand. In round three, Smith scored another knockdown with a right hand.

In round four, Smith landed an uppercut that put De La Cruz down to the 10-count at 1:08

Smith, 164.8 lbs of Inkster, MI is 9-0 with seven knockouts. De La Cruz, 165.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 21-18-1.

Leon Lawson III stopped Luis Alberto Veron in round four of their eight-round junior middleweight fight.

In round four, Lawson landed a big right had ro the forehead that sent Veron to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 37 seconds.

Lawson, 156 lbs of Flint, MI is now 16-1 with nine knockouts. Veron, 154.6 lbs of Jose Leon Suarez, ARG is 20-9-2.

DETROIT (August 29, 2024) – Michigan’s top boxing talent will be on display and viewed by a global audience on Thursday, September 12, as Salita Promotions presents the next edition of “BIG TIME BOXING USA” featuring undefeated Flint, Mich., native Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) defending his USBA Junior Middleweight title against Cuba’s Hugo Noriega (10-2, 5 KOs) in the main event.

All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts airing live on the premier global sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita has announced the televised portion of the card, with compelling matchups at 154 and 160 pounds. Salita has quickly built the BIG TIME BOXING USA series into the world’s leading talent development platform with an international reach of over 200 countries worldwide on DAZN.

“From Detroit to Flint to Grand Rapids, boxing has always been in the blood of this blue-collar state,” Salita said. “Michigan has produced The GWOAT, Claressa Shields, a three division world champion, the world renowned Dirrell brothers, Andre and Anthony, and former heavyweight world champion Chris Byrd. You’d be hard-pressed to find another region in the United States as rich in boxing talent as the greater Detroit area.  

“On Thursday, Sept. 12, all of the fighters will be tested to varying degrees,” continued Salita, a former world championship contender in his day. “They will have the opportunity to show a global audience if they are worthy of advancing from highly regarded prospect to world title contender in a stacked and always exciting division. That is what this series is all about.”

Versatile combat sports commentator Corey Erdman will call all the action on DAZN and is joined in the booth by International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former U.S. Olympian and junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez.

“The 154-pound division is on fire right now and undefeated Ardreal Holmes is well positioned to make a run in that division,” said Bernstein, one of boxing’s most respected expert analysts. “Standing in his path to 154-pound glory is Hugo Noriega. This former Cuban amateur standout has only two decision losses marring his record, and both were tough, exciting fights. He has a powerful right hand and he’ll be motivated in what might be a crossroads fight for him. This fight should have plenty of action. Holmes wants to continue his new punching prowess and Noriega has made some exciting fights.”

Marquez added: “The fans who come out for these fights are die-hard fans and they know the sweet science. If you want to see young, rising prosects who are hungry to climb the boxing ladder and someday fight for a world title, then you don’t want to miss this Flint boxing extravaganza on September 12. Some will rise. Some will fall on their path to the top.”

The co-main event will feature unbeaten prospect Joseph “Sug” Hicks (10-0, 7 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Mich., taking on Detroit’s Ronnie Austion (10-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout while fellow Detroit native and SugarHill Steward-trained “Hitman 2.0” Da’Velle Smith (8-0, 6 KOs) collides against Esau Herrera de la Cruz (21-17-1, 8 KOs) in a middleweight fight.

Hicks, 30, has become one of Michigan’s most promising stars. On the heels of an impressive knockout over Ricardo Ruben Villalba in February 2024, Hicks will put his perfect record on the line against Austion. Although the same age as Hicks, Austion’s career spans nearly a decade longer than his opponent’s. However, the Grand Rapids native aims to insert himself back into the win column in front of his home state.

Kicking off the televised card on DAZN will be a showdown between surging Flint prospect Leon Lawson III (15-1, 8 KOs) and Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (20-8-2, 9 KOs). Lawson is the cousin of the Dirrell brothers and his trained by his father, former pro boxer Leon Lawson II.

Deriving from a rich lineage of world class boxer’s, Lawson III’s high-stakes matchup comes following a year-long layoff from the ring. After suffering his first loss of his career in 2021, Lawson III bounced back into winning form when he scored an emphatic third-round TKO victory over Abraham Peralta in 2023. Opposite Lawson III, the grizzled Alberto Veron looks to take the Flint’s native massive momentum.

#       #       #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.  

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.?

DETROIT (August 20, 2024) – Salita Promotions has announced that rising junior middleweight prospect, the undefeated Flint, Mich., native Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs), will defend his USBA title in the main event of the next edition of BIG TIME BOXING USA on Thursday, September 12, when he steps into the ring against Cuban veteran Hugo Noriega (10-2, 5 KOs). Fans around the world will get to witness the best of the action from an exciting night of boxing live on DAZN.

True to Salita Promotions BIG TIME BOXING USA series’ emerging format, several regional prospects and national rising contenders will appear on the portion of the card televised by DAZN including unbeaten prospect Joseph “Sug” Hicks (10-0, 7 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Detroit’s undefeated “Hitman 2.0” Da’Velle Smith (8-0, 6 KOs). Fellow Flint product Leon Lawson III (15-1, 8 KOs) will make his return to the ring after a 17-month layoff. Lawson is the nephew of Flint’s famed Dirrell brothers, Andre and Anthony. The fight card will also feature Claressa Shields-promoted amateur standout Jaquan McElroy (1-0) from Flint, who won his pro debut in July and is the younger brother of Holmes, and Flint natives Chris Thompson (2-0, 2 KOs) and Deandre Savage (5-0, 5 KOs), both of whom currently train in Las Vegas.

All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with at least the final three bouts airing live on the premier global sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office.

“The BIG TIME BOXING series has quickly become the premier developmental platform for young fighters in the U.S.,” said Salita. “Flint is the home of former heavyweight world champion Chris Byrd, Anthony and Andre Dirrell, and, of course, The GWOAT, Claressa Shields. We have never seen a crop of young and hungry fighters like the group fighting on Sept. 12, and I feel the next U.S. born world champion will come from right here in the Greater Detroit and surrounding areas like Flint. I am excited that those in the crowd and the viewers watching on DAZN will get to see some amazing matchups that can make or break the next chapter in these fighters’ respective careers. You don’t want to miss it.”

The 30-year-old southpaw Holmes is a Flint native who previously fought on the popular SHOWTIME prospect series SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION. Holmes was a decorated amateur winning the 2015 U.S. Nationals and was a silver medalist at the 2013 National Golden Gloves. That same year, he also won a bronze medal at the World Golden Gloves in the 152-pound division. Holmes is the oldest of 11 children and suffered a family tragedy in 2016 when his 20-year-old brother was killed in a drive-by shooting in Flint.

“There’s nothing like fighting at home and I know on Sept. 12, there will be a raucous crowd rooting me on,” Holmes said. “When I get my ‘W’ over Hugo Noriega, it will put me just that much closer to my dream of winning a world title.”

In his last bout in February, Holmes looked impressive as he scored a second-round TKO against hometown fighter Marlon Harrington in the inaugural Salita Promotions’ BIG TIME BOXING USA series on DAZN at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit.

The 34-year-old Noriega lives and trains in Miami by way of Camaguey, Cuba. He has been active since turning pro in March 2022. After reeling off eight straight wins, Noriega lost a close unanimous decision against countryman Damian Lescaille in an MVP Prospects show in Orlando, Fla., in August 2023. Noriega rebounded from his second loss with a unanimous decision win over Mexican Saul Corral in March.

In the televised co-feature, unbeaten middleweight prospect Joseph Hicks (10-0, 7 KOs) will face Ronnie Austion (10-2, 7 Kos) of Las Vegas by way of Detroit. Hicks fights out of Grand Rapids, Mich., and made his professional debut in January 2022. He has stopped three of his last five opponents, including a fourth-round KO over Ricardo Villalba in his last fight. As an amateur, Hicks competed in the National Golden Gloves in 2018 and 2019 and made an appearance in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

In his last fight in February, Da’Velle Smith, who resembles one of boxing’s all-time greats, Thomas Hearns, recorded a unanimous decision win over Argentine veteran Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla. Smith will face an opponent to be named.

Lawson last stepped into the ring in April 2023, recording a third-round TKO against Abrahan Peralta. It was a comeback fight for Lawson after suffering his first pro loss to Nathaniel Gallimore by a close majority decision in 2021. Thompson made his professional debut in October 2023 when he knocked out Marquaun Flowers in the first round and most recently scored a knockout victory over Mason Partlow this past March.

#       #       # 

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.  

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.?

DETROIT – January 18, 2024 – Salita Promotions will launch the inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” event streaming live on DAZN with an action-packed night of fights on Tuesday, February 20 headlined by a 10-round all-Michigan showdown as Flint’s Ardreal Holmes Jr. defends his USBA Super Welterweight Championship against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington topping a card from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit.

February 20 will be the first “Big Time Boxing USA” event in a deal between Salita Promotions and DAZN to present a combination of talent development and championship cards. The live streaming action kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov face Britton Norwood in a 10-round bout in the co-main event.

Action on DAZN will also feature a battle of unbeatens, as Grand Rapids-native and U.S. National Amateur Champion standout Joshua Pagan battles Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight bout, plus undefeated Dearborn-native Da’Velle Smith competes in a six-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office. This will be the first boxing event at Wayne State Fieldhouse, the home to the Detroit Pistons’ G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, and comes after Salita Promotions delivered the first boxing event ever at Little Caesars Arena, the home of the Pistons, in June 2023.

“I’m very excited about the partnership with DAZN and the ability to promote our fighters to a worldwide audience,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “We are starting the “Big Time Boxing USA” series in one of boxing’s historic cities, which for decades was synonymous with the champions of Detroit, and at one of the city’s premier venues, the Wayne State Fieldhouse. I look forward to showcasing and developing boxing’s top talent in exciting matchups.”

“We are looking forward to working with Salita Promotions once again,” said Alfie Sharman, VP, DAZN. “With Dmitriy’s exciting stable, coupled with our best in class production and knowledge of the sport, we feel that together we can create something very special with these shows.”

Additional bouts on the undercard will see unbeaten Grand Rapids-native and USA Olympic Team Captain Joseph Hicks Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight contest, unbeaten WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Juan Carrillo (11-0, 8 KOs), coming off a win against fellow unbeaten Richard Vansiclen to face Florida’s Jose Cortes (10-4, 3 KOs) in an eight-round attraction and Mount Clemens’ Luis Quintero (7-0, 7 KOs) looking to stay unbeaten in a four-round super lightweight fight.

The 29-year-old Holmes Jr. (14-0, 5 KOs),  known in the ring as “Bossman,” is a 6’ 2” southpaw and 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate coming off a trio of impressive professional victories as his competition has increased. He earned 10-round unanimous decisions over Vernon Brown in 2022 and Ismael Villarreal in February 2023 before capturing his title in his most recent bout in June in Detroit. This outing saw Holmes emerge victorious via a technical decision over Wendy Toussaint, after a cut suffered by his opponent due to an accidental headbutt halted the fight in round eight.

“I’m thankful and very excited to be having my first title defense in my home state,” said Holmes. “The fans are going to be the winner on February 20, because this fight, and the whole card, are going to be action packed. I’m going to show all the fans in Detroit and watching on DAZN who the best guy at 154 pounds is. This performance is gonna put the whole division on notice.”

Trained in his hometown at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym, Harrington (10-1, 9 KOs) enters this fight off of back-to-back stoppage victories following a decision loss to Marquis Taylor in 2022. The 31-year-old dispatched of the previously unbeaten Gheith Karim in the first round in June, an impressive performance that he followed up by stopping veteran Ramses Agaton in round three in September.

“Training camp is in full swing and there’s no better way to start the year than to bring the title back home to Detroit,” said Harrington. “The fans can expect fireworks in this one. I’m coming to light up the ring for sure on February 20. Get your popcorn!”

Originally from Russia, residing in Detroit and trained in Miami with John David Jackson, Izmailov (11-0, 7 KOs) took another step toward contender status by picking up his belt with a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Charles Foster in June, establishing himself as a future force in the division. The 30-year-old owns two impressive victories in 2022, taking down previously unbeaten opponents Abraham Tebes and world rated Eric Murguia.

“My long-term goal is simple, to be the Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion,” said Izmailov. “I prepare seriously for every fight and I’m working hard with my trainer John David Jackson in Florida. I plan to showcase my skills and get one step closer to fighting the division’s best.”

Norwood (13-4-1, 10 KOs) will enter this matchup on a three-fight winning streak, including a first round knockout of the then once-beaten Nicolas Masseroni in April of last year. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Norwood has won seven of his last eight outings, including a decision over the previously unbeaten Andrei Odintsov in February 2020.

“I’m training with former world champion Joel Casamayor for this fight, and I believe that it’s going to be the difference on February 20,” said Norwood. “There’s only one reason I’m taking this fight, and that’s to step into the ring on fight night and take Izmailov’s head off and walk out of there with his belt.”

The 23-year-old Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) was prolific in 2023, earning five victories, including a third-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Ronnell Burnett in June. He began the move down to lightweight in his last bout as he shutout Braulio Rodriguez across six-rounds in October. Pagan won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis and followed that up by turning pro in January 2022.

Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs) has stopped every opponent he’s faced since turning pro in September 2021, and will step up in competition to challenge Pagan on February 20. All seven of Taylor’s wins have come in his hometown of Detroit, including his most recent triumph that saw him stop Carlo Nunez in two rounds last February.

Unbeaten since turning pro in 2021, Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) burst onto the scene by winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship with a first round knockout of Ricky Evans. The 23-year-old has continued his winning ways since then, picking up three triumphs in 2023. He stopped the previously unbeaten Kahydlian Woods and veterans Gyorgy Mizsei and Dedrick Bell last year as he hopes to launch himself into contender status in 2024.

#         #         #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

?NEW YORK (June 7, 2023)-Split-T Management fighters Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with victories on Saturday night at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

Both fights were streamed Live on DAZN.

NEW YORK (June 3, 2023)-Tonight at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, two undefeated fighters and Michigan natives will be in action on a DAZN streamed card (9 PM ET).

In the co-feature bout, Ardreal Holmes will be featured against Wendy Toussaint in a 10-round USBA Super Welterweight championship fight.

Holmes of Flint is 13-0 with five knockouts. The 28 year-old Holmes is establishing himself in the 154-pound division with wins over Bryan Goldsby (4-1), Vernon Brown (13-1-1) and his last outing when Holmes defeated Ismael Villareal (12-0) on February 17th in Topeka, Kansas.

Toussaint of Huntington, New York, has an impressive mark of 14-1 with six knockouts. The 31 year-old Toussaint has wins over Anthony Gangemi (4-1), Courtmey Pennington (7-0-1), Sadiq Muhammad (4-1), Isiah Jones (9-2), Travis Gambardella (7-1-2) and his last bout when Toussaint won an eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield on June 18, 2022 in New York City.

Holmes, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions, weighed 153.4 lbs. Toussaint was 149.8 lbs.

?In the DAZN opener, Joseph Hicks Jr. takes on Antonio Todd in an eight-round bout for the WBC Americas Silver Middleweight title.

Hicks of Grand Rapids is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old Hicks has a big win over Bilal Quintyne (4-0). In his last bout, Hicks scored a second round stoppage over Noah Kidd on April 14th in Detroit.

Todd of Atlanta is 14-7 with eight knockouts. The 28 year-old Todd has a win over former world title challenger Hugo Centeno (28-3-1).

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 159.4 lbs. Todd weighed 158.2 lbs.

Claressa Shields won a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo to retain the Undisputed Middleweight Title at The Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields dominated the fight and was very aggressive throughout the bout and landed several hard rights that stopped Cornejo in her tracks. Cornejo was not very aggressive and took a lot of shots in her defensive posture.

Shields landed 124 of 485 punches. Cornejo was 32 of 307.

Shields, 159.6 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 100-89 and 100-90 twice and is now 14-0. Cornejo, 155 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-5.

“I feel great,” said Shields post-victory. “I was landing my shots. I won every round like I knew I could. I went for the knockout how many times this fight? Maricela is tough. She did a great job. Height doesn’t matter and power doesn’t matter either. It’s all about the skills and will and heart, and I always have more than the other girls.”

“Stay smart and not get hit with her big right hand,” she said of her strategy. “Hit bigger to the body and check her to the head. I knew I could win. Straight right for the money. When I would hit her harder, she would take off. I led off with the right too many times, so I will work on that when we get back to the gym. Maricela is super tough. She was in shape and able to take the shots and able to get away from them. It was a great fight. I can’t wait to go home and watch it and see what I can work on.”

“I’m good. I felt fine,” Cornejo said. “Obviously there is so much more I could work on. I want to see the fight again and see the mistakes that I’ve done just to improve on. I think I held my ground and I know I caught her with some good shots and I just need to work on much more to be able to continue those rights I know I landed on her.

“I’m not happy with the loss, I’m just disappointed,” she continued. “I need to just watch it. It’s intense the way she comes forward. I would have done better being more assertive going forward and not going straight back. That’s something I’ve worked on a lot.”

Ardreal Holmes Wins Technical Split Decision over Toussaint

Ardreal Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs if Flint, MI won by scores o 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

“I didn’t lose that fight,” said a disappointed Toussaint. “It was my plan to come out fast and outwork him and it worked. I had him hurt. I don’t agree with the point deduction, and the judges got it wrong.”

Hicks Decisions Todd

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

“He was the better man tonight. Hicks is a good fighter. We knew that coming in. We knew he was a good fighter; captain of the USA Boxing Team. We knew he was a good fighter the whole time. Sometimes you come up short. I wasn’t hurt like I was about to go down, but he hit me in the back of the head a couple of times, headbutted a couple times, but nothing major. I’m okay.”

DETROIT, MI. – May 16, 2023 – Flint’s undefeated rising 154-pound contender Ardreal Holmes Jr. will face once-beaten New Yorker Wendy Toussaint on Saturday, June 3 in a 10-round battle for the USBA Super Welterweight title that will serve as the co-featured bout in support of the Claressa Shields vs. Hanna Gabriels main event rematch.

The event marks the return of big-time boxing to Detroit live from Little Caesars Arena and streaming on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada. The action will also include Grand Rapids, Michigan’s undefeated Joseph Hicks taking on Atlanta-based Antonio Todd over eight rounds for the WBC Americas Silver Middleweight Championship. 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents and streams live on DAZN.

“These are two highly competitive fights with significant consequences for the winner,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Both Ardreal and Hicks are some of the best talent from the state of Michigan and they’re stepping into challenging fights with titles and world rankings at stake. These are the kind of rising stars and fights worthy of big-time boxing’s return to Detroit.”

The 28-year-old Holmes Jr. (13-0, 5 KOs), known in the ring as “Bossman,” is a 6’ 2” southpaw and 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate coming off a pair of impressive professional victories. In March of last year, he scored a nationally televised unanimous decision over Chicago’s once-beaten Vernon Brown (then 13-1) and followed it up with a nationally televised split-decision over then undefeated New Yorker Ismael Villarreal (then 12-0) in February of this year.

Looking to close in on a title shot soon, Holmes says an impressive performance against the formidable Toussaint is crucial to his future plans.

“It means the world to me to be fighting in front of my fans in Michigan,” said Holmes. “I want to put on a great performance in this fight and open the doors toward contending for a world title in the near future. Flint watched me and Claressa train together for years, so it’ll be a treat for them to see us in action and in person on a night that’s going to be one to remember.”

Originally from Haiti, Huntington, New York’s Toussaint (14-1, 6 KOs), known in the ring as “Haitian Fire,” stands 5? 10½?. The 31-year-old has served as one of the main sparring partners for former WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion, Joe Smith Jr. and was last seen scoring a near-shutout unanimous decision over then 15-4-1 Asinia Byfield in June of last year.

Toussaint left his native Haiti at the age of 10 and first moved to French Guiana where he began to box. After joining a local team, and traveling to different countries to fight, he and his family made the move to the United States seeking better opportunity and competition. A win over Holmes Jr., will provide those opportunities.

“I’m really excited for this fight,” said Toussaint. “Winning this fight is going to propel me where I want to go, which is the top of the sport. I’m really happy with my team and promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing for putting me in this position.”

The 29-year-old Hicks (6-0, 5 KOs) started boxing at 19 and became a standout amateur before entering the pro ranks. He was set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings. By the time the games were back on, the IOC’s formula for picking fighters in his weight class left him on the outside looking in. Undeterred, Hicks has shined as a pro, including already scoring two wins this year with triumphs over Bilal Quintyne in February and Noah Kidd in April.

 If Hicks is to continue his march up the ranks, he first must get past Todd (14-7, 8 KOs), who has already scored one huge upset in Michigan, as he took a surprise majority 10-round decision over then world-ranked Huge Centeno Jr., in January of last year in Dearborn.

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 20, 2023)–Two Split-T Management fighters remained undefeated with solid victories over the weekend.

Friday night in Topeka, Kansas, Ardreal Holmes won a 10-round split decision over Ismael Villareal in a battle of previously undefeated junior middleweights.

The bout headlined a SHOBOX: The New Generation and was broadcasted LIVE on SHOWTIME®.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, who was making his second appearance on SHOBOX, boxed very well from the outside as he used his 6’2″ frame to box from the outside and landed some solid combinations on the inside against the charging Villareal.

Holmes was very effective with his straight left hand and well-timed uppercuts.

Holmes won by tallies of 97-93 and 96-94, while a third card somehow gave Villareal a 96-94 edge to keep his perfect record intact at 13-0.

“I felt like he won two, three rounds,” Holmes said. “I don’t know where that one card came from. I feel like I dominated the fight and felt like he might have gotten two or three middle rounds, but that was the max. I felt like I out-jabbed him and out-fought him. I felt like this was a step-up from last time I fought, and this was a tougher fight. I’m only 13 fights in so I’m going to keep improving.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Photo Credit: Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy Promotions

Saturday night in Pomona, California, Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a stoppage over veteran Jenn Gonzalez after the second round of their four-round featherweight clash.

Stevens dropped Gonzalez in the opening round and continued the assault in the second round. Gonzalez called it a night after the second round.

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii is now 4-0 with two knockouts.

The 22 year-old Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 17, 2023)–TONIGHT, Split-T Management’s undefeated junior middleweight Ardreal Holmes takes on Ismael Villareal in the headline bout of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card at The Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas.

The fight will be seen LIVE ON SHOWTIME at 9 PM ET/PT.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan is 12-0 with five knockouts, and the 28 year-old will be making his second SHOBOX appearance. Holmes has a win over Bryan Goldsby (4-1). In his last outing, which was televised on SHOBOX, Holmes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vernon Brown (13-1-1) on March 11, 2022 in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Villareal of Bronx, New York is 12-0 with eight knockouts. The 25 year-old has wins over Kieran Hooks (3-0-1), Ezequiel Urena Santana (6-1) and Juan Medina (19-4). In his last outing, Villareal stopped previously undefeated LeShawn Rodriguez in six-rounds on July 30, 2022 in Brooklyn.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Holmes and Villareal were both 152.6 lbs.

Saturday night in Pomona, California undefeated super bantamweight Asa Stevens takes on veteran Jenn Gonzalez in a four-round bout at The Fox Theater.

The 22 year-old Stevens is 3-0 with one knockout. Stevens is coming off a unanimous decision over Mychaquell Shields on October 29, 2022 in San Diego.

As an amateur Stevens was a National Golden Gloves champion and World Amateur champion.

Gonzalez of Nicaragua is 9-16-1 with five knockouts. The 25 year-old has wins over Alberto Rivero (1-0) and Ernesto Irias (14-2-1)

TOPEKA, Kan. – February 16, 2023 – Exciting rising prospect Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes, Jr. (12-0, 5 KOs) and fellow undefeated Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round super welterweight main event on SHOBOX: The New Generation this Friday, February 17, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kan.

In the co-main event, Misael Lopez (14-1, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colo., looks to win his fourth straight bout after suffering his first pro loss on SHOBOX^® when he takes on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (13-1, 3 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, in a 10-round featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits two unbeaten knockout artists in former NCAA Division I college football player Kurt Scoby (10-0, 8 KOs) facing Australia’s John “The Beast” Mannu (7-0-1, 4 KOs) with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Ardreal Holmes, Jr. – 152.6 pounds

Ismael Villarreal – 152.6 pounds

Referee: Jacob Villa; Judges: Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Nick Berens (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Misael Lopez – 124.4 pounds

Edward Vazquez – 125.2 pounds

Referee: Kevin Champion; Judges: Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Greg DiVilbiss (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Super Lightweight Eight-Round Bout

Kurt Scoby – 139.8 pounds

John Mannu – 139.8 pounds

Referee: Jacob Villa; Judges: Nick Berens (Kan.), Greg DiVilbiss (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Ardreal Holmes, Jr.

“In my fight with Vernon Brown last March, I was just seeing where I was at after such a long layoff, just getting back into the rhythm and timing of things. I would give myself a C+ for that performance, maybe a C++ because of my strong finish.

“I don’t get frustrated with the layoffs because I just look at my son and I want a better future for him and that’s how I get through it every time. I just have to keep fighting and get through everyone to get where I need to go.

“I could have done everything better against Vernon, but when you’ve been out so long, you have to catch up on the timing and rhythm, but I put that win behind me and I’m trying to do better this time.

“My son is two, Ardreal III. I don’t think I want him to get into boxing. But we sit together and out of nowhere he playfully punches me and wow, he has some power in that little hand (laughs).

“My opponent looks strong, looks like he comes to fight, they all have to come to me. This is a high-stakes match, and then the next one is going to be the toughest of my career. All these fights are going to be the toughest I’ve faced, so I take everyone seriously.

“I still work in a rehab center and home and healthcare. How did I get into boxing? I had uncles that used to fight, they’re not much older than me, nine or 10 years older that I am. My coach used to train them and they used to come home with trophies so it’s a family thing. That got me into it.

“I think all fighters from Flint, Michigan are tough, through their upbringing, you have to learn how to fight after school, it’s just part of growing up out there.

“Two years from now I see myself in the Top 10 and gunning for one of those titles. I have my fingers crossed on at least three more fights this year, but if I get three total, that will be fine.”

Ismael Villarreal

“This is an amazing opportunity that I have here, starring in my first main event against an undefeated fighter. We’re both going to be risking our 0. 

“Life is full of surprises. I hope a win tomorrow opens more doors in my career. I didn’t think I would ever get to headline, so life is full of mysteries.

“I wouldn’t say my last fight was my toughest. LeShawn Rodriguez was a notable fighter but it’s not my toughest fight. The only way to find out whether this will be my toughest fight is to fight the fight.

“He has those attributes which make him dangerous – his height, his reach, he’s a southpaw. But I’m not concerned about his height. I’m used to guys being taller than me. I’m usually the shorter guy in my fights. I’m not worried about that. I use my boxing and my intelligence and my ring IQ to gain an advantage. I know I need to get closer and close the distance in this fight.

“It’s not a big deal for me to get on the inside. It’s 10 rounds so giving up one or two rounds isn’t going to affect me. It’s 10 rounds and anything can happen in boxing. Of course I’m going to be ready and I’m going to pressure him.

“I found boxing because my father was a boxer. So I was born into boxing because my dad was a pro fighter. Then he retired and became my coach. I was a kid who liked to fight, I never got into street fights but I just took to fighting when I came to the gym. I had that in me.

“After this fight, I want to get that exposure where hopefully people will realize I’m one of the top guys in the division and people will want to fight me.”

Misael Lopez

“Every fight is like a title fight for me at this point. I think this matchup is a perfect style for me and to show the things I’ve been working on. I definitely recognize that he has talent and is a hungry fighter. We have the same opportunity to jump into that contender level.

“My first pro defeat was the best thing that could ever happen to me, believe it or not. After that loss I had to regroup and learned a lot about myself and what I could do better.

“This is a 50-50 fight and there is no favorite, but that is what we’ve prepared for. To have an amazing coach like Manny Robles in my corner probably tips the scales a little in my favor.

“I see a hungry fighter in my opponent. I don’t know what to expect but I know he’s hungry so I’m not sleeping on him.

“This is the perfect fight for me to make it to the next level. It was a big learning experience to lose on SHOBOX, but I want to prove that I’m a contender and that I’m ready for the big names.”

Edward Vazquez

“With a win over Lopez it will get some guys to look my way. I know it’s a little high risk, low reward until I get a top 15 ranking.

“I see Lopez as one of the best 126 pounders in the world. He is a boxer, boxer-puncher. He’s a mover and will try to find combinations. I have an answer for everything. I know he had a great camp and has a new trainer in Manny Robles.

“I just think my heart, my will, my boxing IQ and the dog inside me is just going to overpower him.

“I’ve already fought this fight visually in my mind – like a million times. I see a fast start on my end, and a little hesitation on his side just because he has someone new in his corner.

“I’m the hardest worker in boxing and everything I do every day shows that. Not just my strength but my mindset. Some of these guys haven’t seen what I’ve seen or touched what I’ve touched.

“I won’t take any time off after this fight. I plan on running a half-marathon when I get back to Texas on Saturday.”

Kurt Scoby

“My style is to not get paid for overtime. But my trainer tells me to not go in there looking for the knockout. He says we go in there to beat the other guy up. So, we’ll see how long he lasts.

“I know my opponent is basically your typical southpaw. He’s undefeated so he doesn’t know how to lose yet. He’ll soon find out how.

“My faith is very important for me. Since I came into Muslim and Islam, I always know there’s a way out. It’s a platform for me.

“It was crazy doing what I did and buying an $11 airplane ticket and coming out to New York with nothing but my two fists. I literally didn’t have anything else.

“I’ve been through a lot – 14 foster homes and my mother passing away during my sophomore year in high school.

“I was recruited for football and played running back at Azusa-Pacific. I got to a point where I got too big-headed. I wasn’t in love with football. Now, I’m doing what I truly love.

“I’ve sparred with Regis Prograis and Devin Haney. What I learned from them was the speed of boxing. How you have to slow things down and see things before they happen.

“My dedication to this sport is what has brought me here. I’m always working out. I don’t want my coaches to chase me to the gym, but to chase me out of the gym.”

John Mannu

“The money’s not too good back in Australia and if a fighter wants to make boxing their career, you have to do it in the United States. We have to take these fights and we have to travel if we are going to make it. A good win in the States could really help my career.

“I’ve been in Miami for the past two weeks just to get used to the time change, but I’m based full-time in Melbourne.

“I’ve got natural power and people will see that. My opponent looks like a tough guy. I can see this fight going the distance, but I’m just going to try and break him down and go for the late-round stoppage.

“I admired guys like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson growing up. And Marvelous Marvin Hagler and James Toney. I just love their style and the way they fight – very defensive fighters.

“I’m a natural southpaw, but I switch a lot. I’d describe myself as a boxer-puncher. This could be the best of the three fights.

“My twin brother Michael is a professional MMA fighter. It’s a competition. The ego’s always there. Whenever he’s in the gym training, I want to be in there too.

“I’ve never been down as a pro or an amateur, and I don’t plan on being down Friday night.”

# # #

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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 88 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, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

NEW YORK – February 7, 2023 – A main event matchup of undefeated fighters highlights the second SHOBOX: The New Generation of 2023 as SHOBOX returnee Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on upset artist Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest Friday, February 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kan.

The SHOBOX^® tripleheader pits six fighters with a combined record of 68-2-1 and 33 knockouts.

In the co-main event, Misael Lopez (14-1, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colo., looks to win his fourth straight bout after suffering his first pro loss on SHOBOX when he takes on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (13-1, 3 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, in a 10-round featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits two unbeaten knockout artists in former NCAA Division I college football player Kurt Scoby (10-0, 8 KOs) facing Australia’s John “The Beast” Mannu (7-0-1, 4 KOs) with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

“This is a really good card coming off last month’s SHOBOX, which was one of the most exciting we’ve had in years,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Ardreal Holmes put on an impressive performance on SHOBOX a year ago and is one of the top prospects in the super welterweight division. Now he faces his toughest test to date in Villarreal, who is coming off his best win against an undefeated fighter. This is a high stakes fight for both Holmes and Villarreal at this stage of their careers.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Holmes vs. Villarreal – 10-Round Super Welterweight Main Event

In his SHOBOX debut last March against Vernon Brown, Holmes overcame a 28-month layoff scoring a unanimous decision fighting past the eighth round for the first time in his career. As an amateur, Holmes won the 2015 U.S. Nationals and was a silver medalist at the 2013 National Golden Gloves. That same year, he also won a bronze medal at the World Golden Gloves in the 152-pound division. Holmes is the oldest of 11 children and suffered a family tragedy in 2016 when his 20-year-old brother was killed in a drive-by shooting in Flint, Mich.

“I can’t wait for February 17 to headline once again on SHOBOX,” Holmes said. “l am thankful and very excited to be back on the series. I’m looking forward to showing the world I’m ready for all comers and soon to contend for a world title.”

An aggressive and explosive fighter, the 25-year-old Villarreal from the Bronx, N.Y., fights under the Main Events banner. He is a two-time New York Golden Gloves winner with an amateur record of 66-7. In his last fight in July, he upset then-unbeaten LeShawn Rodriguez scoring a sixth-round TKO on the Danny Garcia vs. Jose Benavidez Jr. undercard for his best win to date. He managed to stay active during the pandemic by going back to Dominican Republic to fight on three separate occasions. He recently received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Lehman College.

“My goal is to someday be world champion at 154 and 160 pounds,” Villarreal said. “To achieve that, I will defeat whoever tries to get in my way, including Ardreal Holmes. I’m grateful for this great opportunity to headline in front of a large national audience. I know that this is just the beginning of many great things for my career.”

Lopez vs. Vazquez – 10-Round Featherweight Bout

Lopez, 26, will be making his third appearance on SHOBOX and was born in Mexico but now lives in Denver, Colo. In his SHOBOX debut in 2018, Lopez got the better of James Wilkins in a battle of young, previously undefeated super featherweight prospects, tallying a unanimous decision victory. Lopez suffered his first career setback in his last SHOBOX appearance in 2021, when Jordan White scored an impressive sixth-round TKO. Lopez compiled an amateur record of 50-5, winning gold medals at the 2008 Ringside World Championships, the 2010 Colorado State Silver Gloves Tournament, and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2009 and 2015.

“I am looking forward to returning to SHOBOX,” Lopez said. “Vazquez is a talented fighter, but I am determined to impress on February 17. I truly believe this is the year I put a title belt around my waist. There is nothing or no one that is getting in the way of that. It’s strap season.”

Vazquez, 27, fights out of his native Fort Worth, Texas. The lone blemish on his record came one year ago when he lost a controversial split-decision to undefeated former National Golden Gloves champion Raymond Ford. He has rebounded with wins in his last two fights via decision. Vazquez was a standout amateur with an 82-8 record. In the pros, he has noted wins against fighters such as Adan Ochoa (11-1), Irvin Gonzalez (14-2), Jose Argel (8-3) and, in his last fight in October, scored a split-decision win over Viktor Slavinskyi (13-1-1).

“I love this matchup with Lopez, and I accepted it as soon as it was brought to the table because this can be a breakout fight for the both of us,” Vazquez said. “We’re both young, talented, and backed with a lot of momentum right now. The respect is mutual between both of our camps, and I know we’re both hungry for the win. You can expect us to steal the show come February 17.” 

Scoby vs. Mannu – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Kurt Scoby, 27, is a former high school and NCAA Division I football star who rushed for 2,206 yards and 35 touchdowns in his senior year for Monrovia High School in Duarte, Calif. He signed to play at Fresno State University as a criminal justice major and red-shirted his freshman season. He transferred to Azusa Pacific University in the San Gabriel Valley southeast of Los Angeles where he rushed for 2,703 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2015-2017. When he failed to hook on with an NFL team, Scoby turned to his first love – boxing. After winning the 2019 California Golden Gloves title in the 152-pound novice division, Scoby turned pro in June of 2020 and signed with manager Daniel Gonzalez, fighting three times in Mexico and three more times in the Dominican Republic before notching wins in Atlantic City and Newark, N.J. In June of 2021, Scoby decided to dedicate himself full-time to boxing and at the height of the pandemic bought an $11 one-way economy airline ticket to New York City where he soon walked into the famed Gleason’s Gym and announced his arrival.

“It is truly an honor to be fighting on a SHOBOX card, a legendary platform for young fighters in the sport of boxing,” said Scoby, who was scouted by NFL teams the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers. “I look forward to sharing the ring with another up-and-coming prospect in John Mannu. Unfortunately for him, he is standing in the way on my path to becoming a real force in the junior welterweight division and a future world champion. May the best man win come February 17.” 

The southpaw, fourth-year pro Mannu, 26, will be fighting for the first time in the United States with his last two wins coming by decision against undefeated fighters in power-punching Jake Daoust in August, and slick Adrian Sosa on the undercard of Haney-Kambosos II in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia in October. Sosa had been Kambosos’ main sparring partner and came in as the heavy favorite. Scoby will be Mannu’s fifth undefeated opponent in just nine fights.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to fight in the U.S. against Kurt Scoby,” Mannu said. “I don’t know a lot about my opponent, except that he is undefeated like me. My record shows that I am not afraid to fight an undefeated fighter abroad. I can also tell you that I am not traveling halfway around the world to lose, so I can promise an epic battle.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

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 87 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, 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, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

New York, NY (March 15, 2022)–Four members of the Split-T Management stable posted victories on Friday night.

Three of those victories came in Deadwood, South Dakota as Ardreal Holmes Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Vernon Brown in a junior middleweight bout that headlined a SHOBOX: The New Generation card that was live on SHOWTIME.

Holmes used his 6’2″ frame to box very well and land some hard straight left hands on the gritty Brown. Holmes was able to win by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 to raise his mark to 12-0.

“I was reborn tonight,” Holmes said. “This performance showed that I still have it in me. I hurt my left hand in the second round. I couldn’t punch how I wanted to. I was in a bunch of pain but I pulled through. Thinking about my family pushed me through the pain.”

Holmes said no matter how much Brown hurt him, he was going to push through the pain. “I was rusty. I believe I need another fight to get the rust off. My timing wasn’t there. I’ve been off for like 800 days, but this fight showed that I have a lot of heart. I want Paul Kroll next. He was talking a lot of junk against me. We have a history in the amateurs. He’s who I want.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

In the opening bout, Giovanni Marquez made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales in a welterweight bout.

Marquez displayed the boxing skills that propelled him to a National Golden Gloves title, as he boxed well and mixed some crisp power shots. Despite injuring his hand, Marquez looked like a seasoned veteran as was very composed in the ring.

Marquez of Houston, won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

“I felt great,” said Marquez. “I hurt my left hand in the second round on a jab. I think I would have been able to stop him if I hadn’t hurt my hand.”

Added Giovanni: “It was a great experience. He was a tough, durable guy, but I feel like I handled everything, the cameras, all the attention pretty well. I started a little slow but after the first round I settled down and fought my fight. I felt fine without the headgear. We kept bumping heads, but he never hurt me. There was a lot of pressure on me, and I was a little nervous in the leadup to the fight, but once I got into the fight I relaxed and I felt comfortable. Overall, it was a great experience.”

In non-televised action, David Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over Gavino Guaman in a featherweight bout.

Navarro is settling into the pro game as he dominated the action and took every round convincingly and won by scores of 60-54 on all cards.

With the win, the 22 year-old native of Los Angeles upped his record to 4-1.

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, LeAnna Cruz remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Anyela Lopez in a bantamweight fight.

Cruz featured solid right hands that landed flush on Lopez, which was a delight to the large hometown fan base that Cruz performed in front of.

Cruz, 113.7 lbs of Allentown, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to go to 2-0. Lopez, 115.3 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 2-2.

Cruz is promoted by King’s Promotions.
LeAnna Cruz talks about her unanimous decision over Anyela Lopez

Ardreal Holmes Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vernon Brown in a junior middleweight fight at the Deadwood Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Holmes, 156 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-95 and is now 12-0. Brown, 157 1/4 of Chicago, IL is 13-2-1.

“I was reborn tonight,” Holmes said. “This performance showed that I still have it in me. I hurt my left hand in the second round. I couldn’t punch how I wanted to. I was in a bunch of pain but I pulled through. Thinking about my family pushed me through the pain.”

“He was the better man tonight,” Brown said. “I give it up to him. He studied me. He knew the punches I was going to throw. His corner kept yelling, ‘Watch the right hook.’ He did knock the wind out of me a couple times with body shots. I had to take a second to recover. In the last round, he was catching me with head shots.

“I need to work on my left hand. I need to be like Manny Pacquiao and work on my left hand because guys know I have power in my right hook. But I’m going down to 147. That’s my true weight.”

De Los Santos Stops Acosta in 2

Edwin De Los Santos scored an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Luis Acosta in the 2nd round of their eight-round lightweight fight,

In round one, De Los Santos landed a right hook that made Acosta’s glove touch the canvas for a knockdown. In round two, De Los Santos landed a huge left that sent Acosta flat on his back, and the fight was stopped immediately at 48 seconds.

De Los Santos, 133 3/4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 14-1 with 13 knockouts. Acosta, 133 1/2 lbs of Houston, TX is 12-1.

“I’m back,” said De Los Santos, who suffered a loss in his first SHOBOX appearance in January to William Foster III. “Everyone was counting me out after the last fight. They thought I was done after the loss to Foster. But I’m back. This is the kind of statement that I should have made last time. This is a new beginning for me. I thought I was going to catch him later in the fight but the opening came early with the straight left. My preparation was just better this time, I was just more focused and better prepared and this was the result. I’m ready for anyone.”

Marquez Decisions Morales to win Pro debut

Giovanni Marquez made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales in a welterweight bout.

Marquez landed 85 of 280 punches; Morales was 42 of 201.

Marquez, 143 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is 1-0. Morales, 144 1/4 lbs of Scranton, PA is 2-1.

“I felt great,” said Marquez. “I hurt my left hand in the second round on a jab. I think I would have been able to stop him if I hadn’t hurt my hand.”

Added Giovanni: “It was a great experience. He was a tough, durable guy, but I feel like I handled everything, the cameras, all the attention pretty well. I started a little slow but after the first round I settled down and fought my fight. I felt fine without the headgear. We kept bumping heads, but he never hurt me. There was a lot of pressure on me, and I was a little nervous in the leadup to the fight, but once I got into the fight I relaxed and I felt comfortable. Overall, it was a great experience.”

“I think I did OK,” said the 30-year-old Dominican Republic-born Morales (2-1) now living in Scranton, Pa. “My strategy was to go in and box. He cut the ring off and applied good pressure. I can’t say too much because it wasn’t the best of me. He was OK. I’ll be back.”

New York, NY (March 11, 2022)–Tonight, five athletes under the Split-T Management banner will be in action with three being featured on SHOBOX: The New Generation, Live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 PM ET.

In the headline of the SHOBOX card from Deadwood, South Dakota will be undefeated junior middleweight Ardreal Holmes.

Holmes will take on Vernon Brown in a scheduled 10-round bout.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, has a record of 11-0 with five knockouts. The 27 year-old Holmes is a six-year professional, has wins over Bryan Goldsby (4-1) and his last bout when he stopped Jose Antonio Abreu on November 15, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brown of Chicago.is 13-1-1 with nine knockouts. The 32 year-old Brown is a seven-year veteran who has defeated Jose Pena (1-0), David Castro (2-0) and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Fabian Lyimo on February 20, 2021 in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Holmes weighed 156 lbs. Brown was 157 1/4 lbs.

Holmes is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

In the co-feature, Luis Acosta will take on Edwin De Los Santos in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Acosta, 25 years-old of Houston, Texas has a professional record of 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Acosta began boxing at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose, and uncle, Mario, who were both professional boxers. His father, who now trains Luis, was 2-2 as a professional, while his uncle was 1-0. This passion led to an amateur career that saw Luis go 57-8 and winning both the Title and Ringside Tournaments. In addition, Acosta is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in exercise science and Kinesiology and has an entrepreneurial spirit honed by working many hours in his family’s restaurant, which is a local landmark in Humble, Texas.

De Los Santos of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is 13-1-1 with 12 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a four year professional who has wins over Manuel Bottis (23-2-1), Juan Alberto Garcia Perez (8-2). He is coming off an eight-round split decision loss to undefeated William Foster III on January 7th in Orlando, Florida in a bout that was televised on SHOBOX The New Generation.

Acosta weighed in at 133 1/2 lbs. De Los Santos was 133 3/4 lbs.

The televised portion will kick off with the much anticipated pro debut of former National Golden Gloves champion Giovanni Marquez taking on Nelson Morales in a four-round welterweight affair.

Marquez, 21 years-old of Houston, Texas began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez. Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.

Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight.

Morales of Scranton, Pennsylvania is 2-0 and is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Ronny Arana on August 20, 2021.

Marquez weighed 143 lbs while Morales was 144 1/4 lbs.

In non-televised action from Deadwood, featherweight prospect David Navarro takes on Gavino Guaman in a six-round bout.

Navarro, 22, is 3-1 with two knockouts and is coming off a win over Jayron Santiago Lopez on July 23rd, 2021 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Navarro began training in the sport at the age of five, and left behind his childhood long endeavor of becoming an Olympian to enter the professional ranks. During his time in the amateurs, David compiled 15 National titles and competed in over 170 amateur bouts.

Navarro was one of only eight boxers in his weight division to compete for a spot on Team USA’s Olympic squad. During the 10-day event, he made it all the way to the finals by upsetting top seed Duke Ragan and in January was named as an Olympic Alternate for the 2020 Olympics, now rescheduled to take place in 2021.

In addition to David’s deep amateur accolades, he comes from one of the great Mexican American boxing families. David is the younger brother of Golden Boy Promotions undefeated junior welterweight prospect Johnathan Navarro, and his cousins, Steven and Chantel, are widely regarded as two of the top young prospects in the USA amateur system.

David is also the nephew of former Olympian Jose Navarro, who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games, and Carlos Navarro, one of America’s greatest amateurs in the 90’s, who is well-known for being the the last American to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by winning a box-off at the 1995 Pan-American Games.

Guaman of River Falls, Wisconsin is 6-4-1 with two knockouts. The 30 year-old Guaman has a 1st round stoppage over Joshuah Hernandez (5-0) is the opening round.

in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, super flyweight LeAnna Cruz looks to stay undefeated when she battles Anyela Lopez in a four-round bout at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Cruz of Allentown is 1-0 as the 24 year-old won a four-round unanimous decision over Delaney Bailey on September 10, 2021 in Philadelphia.

Lopez, 30 years-old of Tucson, Arizona is 2-1-1 with one knockout, and has a win over Nicole Reinhart (1-0), She is coming off a unanimous decision over Jaica Pavilus on June 9, 2021 in Long Beach, California.

Cruz was 113.7 lbs. Lopez was 115.3 lbs.

Cruz is promoted by King’s Promotions.

SHOBOX televised images by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

David Navarro Photo by Joe Quiambao / Split-T Management

Cruz Photos by Marc Abrams /Split-T Management and King’s Promotions

DEADWOOD, S.D. – March 10, 2022 – Undefeated middleweight prospect Ardreal Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) and once-beaten Vernon Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

The co-feature pits undefeated prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) and the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. Plus, 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round welterweight bout that opens the three-fight telecast.

Raul Márquez will occupy dual roles during the broadcast, first as his son’s trainer and cornerman and then later as an expert analyst alongside his colleagues ringside. He will be joined by Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calling the action with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell also serving as an expert analyst, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The tripleheader is promoted by Holden Productions.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Middleweight 10-Round Bout
Ardreal Holmes – 156 pounds
Vernon Brown – 157 ¼ pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minnesota); Judges: Norm Hamling, Jr. (South Dakota), John Mariano (Minnesota), Ludy Webster (Minnesota)

Lightweight Eight-Round Bout
Luis Acosta – 133 ½ pounds
Edwin De Los Santos – 133 ¾ pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minnesota); Judges: Norm Hamling, Jr. (South Dakota), John Mariano (Minnesota), Ludy Webster (Minnesota)

Welterweight Four-Round Bout
Giovanni Márquez – 143 pounds
Nelson Morales – 144 ¼ pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minnesota); Judges: Norm Hamling, Jr. (South Dakota), John Mariano (Minnesota), Ludy Webster (Minnesota)

FINAL QUOTES:

Ardreal Holmes

“The long layoff is due to the pandemic and just waiting for the right opportunity to come along. I was dealing with a lot of things at the time, deaths in the family, so part of it was getting myself mentally ready to take advantage of the opportunity when it came along.

“Flint Michigan is just a special place. Whenever you go out of town, people would say, ‘What is it about Flint?’ We’d say, ‘There’s something in the water.’ We’ve been saying that for years. And then all that stuff happened (with the water being contaminated). It’s just a beautiful, tough place, but it’s still beautiful.

“I feel good for this fight. There’s nothing that I’m not expecting. I’m tall so everyone’s plan is to come forward and put pressure on me, but I’m expecting him to come forward and I plan on catching him on the way in.

“After being off for this long, I’m super excited for this opportunity. I just kept my head on straight and stayed positive and here we are. My son was a big motivation for me for this fight. And a guy I fought (and lost to) in the U.S. Olympic Trials, Paul Kroll, who I heard was talking about fighting me. He also motivated me.

“Every fight there’s pressure, but I believe in myself, and I believe in my training, and I’m going to go out and do my best.”

Vernon Brown

“Accepting the fight late wasn’t a big deal. I’d already been training. I’m excited for this opportunity and I feel good.

“I’ve gone up and down in weight, my last fight was at 140, but I’m used to fighting big guys, so this is not a problem. I’ve fought a couple guys who were 6’2”, so I’m ready. It’s been a year since February since my last fight and I’m ready to get my feet back wet again. I feel strong.

“My best weight is 147. I can do a lot at 147. I can do 154. Fighting bigger guys isn’t a problem, but 147 is my weight class. The contracted weight for this fight is 156 plus two, and that’s fine with me, so I don’t have to kill myself making weight.

“I’m just an aggressive fighter. My trainers want me to be aggressive and more technical and more defensive, but it’s like the bell rings and I turn into a real different animal. I don’t care how big you are, but I’m going to be smart for this fight. I don’t want to get caught by anything stupid.

“I consider myself a Hagler type. I love to brawl. I can really punch. Everyone in Chicago knows about my power. They brag on me, ‘Oh, you punch so hard.’ But I’m also learning it’s about conditioning and moving my head, and I know there’s more than just being able to punch.

“Everyone knows my right-hook is dangerous. But I knocked out a couple southpaws taller than me with overhand lefts because they were focused on my right. I can switch but I’m not like a Terence Crawford, but I will do it just to throw a guy off.”

Luis Acosta

“We are excited and ready to do the work. I’m not surprised at the success we’ve had. When you put in the hard work it shows in the end. I think our record shows that. We train hard all the time.

“I haven’t had a lot of rounds, but that doesn’t bother me. When we are sparring we go lots of rounds and bring in new, fresher guys while I’m staying in there the whole time. Eight rounds, 12 rounds. The conditioning is there, and the stamina. Whenever we end up going those rounds, the conditioning will show.

“I’m never worried about how hard I’m hitting a guy or trying to impress myself. I don’t deal with that pressure where I gotta knock this guy out. It just comes. You know, in the [Darel] Harris fight it didn’t come but I got my knockdowns and we did our work still.

“I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing. What we’ve been doing has been working for us. If I feel like I have to pace myself then I didn’t train hard enough to be able to put in the same amount of work for each round. If I’m fighting a 12-round fight I’m going to throw the same amount of punches as I would throw if I was fighting less rounds. I’m ready.

“[De Los Santos] has the best record so in my mind he is the best I’ve ever faced so far. Just like all my other fights it doesn’t matter who is in there across the ring from me I’m going to go in there and do my thing.”

Edwin De Los Santos

“I know Luis Acosta is a tough opponent, just like all the other Mexicans that I have fought. I know he works hard in the ring, just like I do. I know he’s also a very intelligent and skilled fighter.

“Physically I wasn’t ready for my last fight [a loss on ShoBox]. The running on the treadmill instead of out in the streets and in nature affected me. The weather conditions were very cold at that time. The weight cut also affected me. I feel like now that I’m working out harder and smarter and not having to cut as much weight has helped me.

“I don’t know which way this fight goes. It could be a knockout, or it could go the distance. It was a very bitter defeat I tasted in my last fight and so it’s very important for my career that I can come back and get a win this time to take me to the next level.”

Giovanni Márquez

“I ended up winning the National Golden Gloves which opened a lot of doors and opportunities. And here we are now. I never imagined I would make my debut on ShoBox. I’m looking forward to it and I’m just ready to go out there and perform.

“Some say there’s a lot of pressure on me. Of course, there’s pressure. Being my dad’s son, there’s always going to be pressure but I just use that pressure as motivation and it just gives me a feeling that I have to prove something. That’s when I perform best.

“I always felt I had more of a pro-like style. In the amateurs, it’s only three three-minute rounds. There’s not too much time. There’s a lot of guys that move, hold, throw little pitty-pat punches. Whereas I like to sit on my punches and look for openings. I think I’ll be able to show my style more in the pros than I was in the amateurs because there’s a little bit more time.

“I know that Morales will be hungry. This is a good opportunity for him. I’m definitely not taking him lightly. I’m looking to go out there and have a great first impression on the boxing world. This is a great opportunity to do that. I definitely want to win in spectacular fashion.”

Nelson Morales

“Every boxer’s dream is to fight on TV and get these kinds of opportunities. I come from a town where there’s always been a lot of guys doing big things, and I’ve been working quietly. Now I have this big opportunity and I really want to take full advantage of it. I’m super excited especially to be on a platform like SHOWTIME. I never thought this would come.

“Márquez has a lot of amateur experience. His father was a world champion. I know he’s been around these types of platforms. I don’t expect him to be completely nervous where he won’t be on his game. So I’m just expecting the best of Giovanni Marquez and I just have to do my thing. I expect him to be very confident. He’s been around SHOWTIME and this is my first time on SHOWTIME. I have to do something big too.

“Right now, I manage myself. I’m self-managed and I do my own thing. I look for my own fights. I just want to do my thing and look good to the point where somebody is going to reach out to me and say, ‘I want to work with you.’

“I just turned 30. I have to do something and if I’m going to do it, I have to do it now. I don’t have the opportunity that he does. This might be my one shot. He’s only (21). He has a lot of years to bounce back. I don’t.”

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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 86 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, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

NEW YORK – March 3, 2022 – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Ardreal Holmes will now face once-beaten Vernon Brown in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

Mekhrubon Sanginov, who was originally slated to take on Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) in the main event, was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering an injury in training camp. Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs), who was previously set to fight the undefeated Hurshidbek Normatov in the co-main event, steps in to face Holmes. Normatov also suffered an injury in training camp and is unable to fight on March 11.

The previously-announced eight-round lightweight matchup between undefeated prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) and the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) serves as the co-main event and 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round super lightweight bout that opens the three-fight telecast. Raul Márquez will occupy dual roles during the broadcast, first as his son’s trainer and cornerman and then later as an expert analyst alongside his colleagues ringside.

He will be joined by Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calling the action with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell also serving as an expert analyst, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event is promoted by Holden Productions.

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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 86 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 – February 24, 2022 – Super welterweight prospect Ardreal Holmes puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov in another tightly-matched main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

The main event pairs two amateur standouts trying to seize the spotlight as Flint, Michigan’s Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) takes on Tajikistan’s Sanginov (12-0-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight contest. Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) faces once-beaten Vernon Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round co-featured middleweight bout and undefeated lightweight prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs). Plus, 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round super lightweight bout that opens the telecast.

The event is promoted by Holden Productions.

Here is a closer look at the matchups:

Holmes vs. Sanginov – Eight-Round Super Welterweight Main Event Bout

The southpaw Holmes was a No. 1-ranked amateur at 147 pounds with more than 80 amateur fights. He won several amateur tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship and was a three-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion. He also represented USA in the World Series of Boxing and was an alternate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Standing at six-foot-two-inches, Holmes has proven to be a handful since turning pro in 2016. He owns wins over 55-fight veteran Lanardo Tyner and most recently defeated Jose Antonio Abreu in 2019. He is coached by Joe Bermudez, managed by David McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“I am excited to jump back in the ring,” said the 27-year-old Holmes. “I am in a good spot, and I will make the most of this opportunity. I think I should be able to do anything that I want off the jab. I’m not worried about anyone slipping on me because I am in a position that people will get to know who I am really soon. Get ready for a great night of boxing. Seeing people come up that you know such as the Dirrell brothers motivated me, and March 11 people will get to know and remember who I am.”

An exceptional amateur himself, Sanginov amassed a record of 105-14 and became a fan favorite in his native Tajikistan. He turned professional in 2016 and moved to Las Vegas in 2018 to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion. He stopped four-of-his-last-six opponents, beating then-undefeated Quincy LaVallais via split-decision and fighting then-undefeated Fred Wilson Jr. to a draw. Sanginov has fought five times since Holmes last stepped into the ring.

“I am very happy and excited for this opportunity,” said the 26-year-old Sanginov, who is five inches shorter than Holmes. “ShoBox is a steppingstone to bigger and better things. I know that a win gets me bigger fights. I don’t know much about my opponent except his amateur career. Training camp has been great and I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 11.”

Normatov vs. Brown – Eight-Round Middleweight Bout

Uzbekistan’s Normatov, who now resides and fights out of Brooklyn, N.Y., finished his impressive amateur career in 2016 with a 190-40 record. In his first ten fights as a pro, the southpaw has faced seven fighters with winning records including two undefeated prospects. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, where he fought to a 5-1 record. Normatov is trained by Andre Rozier, who has trained several world champions including Richard Commey, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Normatov is also managed by McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“I am very happy to be back in the ring and especially to be on a big show like ShoBox,” said the 29-year-old Normatov. “This is a big chance for me to show what I can do. It’s a great opportunity and I will take advantage of it.”

Brown, a 32-year-old Chicago native, turned professional in 2015 and has competed in a variety of weight classes from 140 to 160 pounds. He won his first seven fights, including five by way of stoppage, before fighting Jesus Zazueta Anaya to a split-draw in 2017. He won his next three fights before dropping a hotly contested 10-round unanimous decision to talented 154-pound contender Jamontay Clark in a fight many felt Brown could have won. Brown rebounded with three straight wins, including a second-round KO in his last time out in February 2021. He will face his first undefeated opponent since his 2017 win over then 6-0 Angelo Snow on March 11.

“I am just ready to fight,” said the 5’7” Brown. “I haven’t fought in a year, but I have been in the gym, and I am just ready. My opponent is a crafty southpaw who is tall, but I have knocked out a couple guys with a similar style as his. I’m excited to fight on ShoBox and I’m ready to give people a show. A win will boost my career and will show a lot of people what I am made of.”

Acosta vs. De Los Santos – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The undefeated, power-punching Acosta began boxing at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose, and uncle, Mario, who were both professional boxers. As an amateur, the Houston native Acosta had a record of 57-8 and won both the Title and Ringside Tournaments. Known as an aggressive, come-forward fighter, Acosta has stopped 11-of-his-12 professional opponents. Acosta is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology and is trained by his father.

“I am very excited for my first televised fight,” said Acosta, 25. “I feel like I have something to prove. I will not get caught in the moment and I want to put on a show for everybody. I know that my opponent is a southpaw and is taller, and he looks like he is strong early on in the fight. May the best man win.”

De Los Santos began boxing in his native Dominican Republic at the age of 12, and by age 14, he had won his first amateur tournament. Following a brilliant amateur career in which he fought 265 times and lost just six bouts, he turned pro in 2018 and made his ShoBox debut in January, dropping a close decision to William Foster III. Packing one-punch power, De Los Santos had scored stoppages in his last seven fights prior to the defeat. Among his most impressive performances is a first-round KO over then 8-2 Juan Alberto Garcia Perez and a unanimous decision over then 31-10 Francisco Contreras.

“I am extremely disappointed in my last performance,” said De Los Santos of his ShoBox debut. “It did not go as I expected. A lot had to do with the weight loss, which caused me to get weak and tired after the third round. This is why I am fighting at 135 pounds in this fight. I will be stronger than ever so my opponent better watch out.”

Márquez vs. Morales – Four-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Highly regarded super lightweight prospect Giovanni Márquez will become the seventh fighter in the history of ShoBox to make their professional debut on the series. The previous six, including the likes of world champions Gary Russell Jr. and Errol Spence Jr., were all U.S. Olympians. Houston’s Márquez is fresh off winning the national Golden Gloves 152-pound championship, where he was also given the prestigious Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament Award. The list of current or former world champions to win the Golden Gloves title at 152 pounds in the past 20 years includes Spence (2009), Demetrius Andrade (2006-07), Daniel Jacobs (2004) and Andre Berto (2003). Márquez began boxing at age 12 and finished his amateur career with a record of 75-12. He is trained by his father, 1992 U.S. Olympian, former junior middleweight world champion and SHOWTIME Boxing analyst Raul “El Diamante” Márquez.

“I am very excited to be making my debut on ShoBox,” said the 20-year-old Márquez. “I am excited to display my skills and everything that my father and I have been working on in the gym. I have been envisioning this moment for myself from a young age. There is footage of me mimicking walking to the ring in my house. To make that walk is a dream come true. Being on the show my dad works on is an honor, and I am definitely up for it. For some, that might be pressure, but I am embracing it. The audience will see the best of me on March 11.”

Dominican Republic born, Scranton, Penn.-based 29-year-old Nelson Morales has two professional bouts under his belt, including a four-round unanimous decision over Ronny Arana in August 2021. In his 2019 pro debut, he defeated Kynndale Prather via majority decision. For the second consecutive fight, Morales will be facing an opponent making their pro debut. Morales works as a part-time police officer in the Pennsylvania boroughs of Clarks Summit, Throop and Dunmore.

“This is a dream come true,” said Morales. “I have been watching SHOWTIME Boxing for a long time. I have been dreaming about this for a long time. I know that Márquez has been around boxing since he was in the belly. I know of his father Raul, so I know he will bring it. I have been working very hard and a lot had to happen for me to get this opportunity, and I won’t waste it.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Márquez serving as expert analysts, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.

The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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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 86 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 (November 15, 2019)–Tonight, two Members of the Split-T Management banner will be in action at The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Once-beaten welterweight Ivan Golub takes on Janer Gonzalez in a ten-round contest for the WBC USNBC Welterweight title, while undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes battles Jose Antonio Abreu in a eight-round bout.

Photo Credit_ Mason McEwen_DiBella Entertainment

Golub of Brooklyn, New York via Goravoka, Ukraine is 17-1 with 13 knockouts. The hard punching Golub is on a four-fight winning streak and over his five-year career, the 30 year-old has wins over Kirk Huff (3-0), Tyson Harrison (2-0), Juan Rodriguez Jr (12-3), Marlon Aguas (9-0), James Stevenson (23-2), and in Golub’s last bout he stopped Joaquim Cameiro on August 1st in Monroeville, PA.

Gonzalez of Colombia has wins over Victor Coronado (4-1), Devis Caceres (14-2) and Carlos Galven (9-1-1). the former Colombian and WBC Latino Super Welterweight champion, Gonzalez is coming off a loss to world ranked Jamal James on February 23rd in Minneapolis.

Golub weighed in at 146,2 lbs and Gonzalez weighed in at 149.4 lbs. Gonzalez is ineligible to win the title.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, has a record of 10-0 with four knockouts. Holmes, who was a heralded amateur, was a National Golden Gloves Finalist, and has a win over Bryan Goldsby (4-1). Holmes is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Walter Wright on October 11 in Warren, Michigan.

Photo Credit_ Ardreal Holmes Facebook Page

Abreu of La Romana, Dominican Republic has a record of 14-6 with eight knockouts.

The 31 year-old Abreu has quality wins on his resume over Jose Eduardo Souza (1-0-1), Euri Ginzalez (24-6-1) and Wesley Tucker (14-2).

Abreu is coming off a defeat to Eric Walker on August 1st in Monroeville, PA.

Holmes was 155.4 lbs. Abreu was 158.4 lbs at Thursday’s weigh-in

Golub is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions. Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

The fights can be seen live on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 11 PM ET.

NEW YORK (October 14, 2019)–This past Friday night, four members of the Split-T Management stable scored big wins at DeCarlos Convention Center in Warren, Michigan.

Undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes (10-0) won a eight-round unanimous decision over Walter Wright in a super welterweight bout.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, boxed his way to the victory by keeping the veteran at bay, and won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75.

Michael Moore was impressive in dominating Alex Hloros by scoring a 2nd round stoppage in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland Ohio beat up Hloros until the corner threw in the towel at 2:47.

Anthony Barnes was impressive in defeating tough Kenneth Council but somehow the judges came back with a six-round split-decision for Barnes.

Barnes of Huntington Woods, Michigan, pushed the action and was the superior boxer and won by scores of 60-54, 58-56 and somehow a card was awarded to Council by a 59-55 tally.

Rolando Vargas needed just 59 seconds to take out Rashio Evans in a lightweight bout.

Vargas (4-0, 4 KOs) of Milwaukee landed a booming left that sent Evans down and out.

NEW YORK (October 11, 2019)–TONIGHT, four Members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action at DeCarlos Convention Center in Warren, Michigan.

Undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes takes on the capable Walter Wright in an eight-round bout; Michael Moore battles Alex Hloros in a six-round middleweight tussle; Undefeated super middleweight Anthony Barnes fights capable Kenneth Council; Undefeated super lightweight prospect Rolando Vargas battles fights Rashio Evans.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan has a record of 9-0 with four knockouts. The 25 year-old Holmes will be making his 2nd start of 2019. He is coming off a unanimous decision over Lanardo Tyner on May 18th.

Holmes, who was the number-one ranked amateur welterweight in the United States, competed in the Olympic Trials. As a professional, Holmes holds a 1st round stoppage over Bryan Goldsby (4-1).

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Wright of Seattle, Washington maybe best known for competing on The Contender in 2006. He has a record of 17-7 with eight knockouts.

The 38 year-old has wins over Mike Hannash (2-0), Ray Craig (3-0), Darnell Boone (4-0-1), Vinroy Barrett (21-5), Dan Wallace (8-0) and Mark DeLuca (21-0).

Moore of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 17-3 with seven knockouts.

The 33 year-old is a nine year-pro who made it to the semi-finals of the 2018 Contender as he defeated Malcolm McAllisiter (9-1) and Gerald Sherrell (9-1). This will be his 1st appearance of 2019.

Hloros of Mount Clemens, Michigan, has a record of 18-7-2 with 12 knockouts.

The 16 year-veteran has wins over Jason Wahr (1-0-2), & Jeremiah Jones (1-0-1). Hloros has faced world champions Rob Brant and Demetrius Andrade.

Barnes of Huntington Woods, Michigan is undefeated with a record of 11-0 with eight knockouts.

The 28 year-old is a seven year pro, and is making his 1st appearance of 2019. He is coming off a unanimous decision over Dwayne Williams on July 13, 2018.

In Council, Barnes is taking a step up in competition. Council of Knoxville, Tennessee has a record of 10-2-1 with eight knockouts. His only two defeats have been to undefeated fighters, which includes dropping a fight to Erickson Lubin.

Vargas of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is 3-0 with all three of his wins coming inside of two rounds. Just twenty years-old, Vargas was a 2017 National Junior Champion, and he has lived up to expectations in all of his victories. Two of his three knockouts have come against undefeated foes in Jessi Hackett, and in his last bout, Vargas took out Nathaniel Lee Davis in one round on July 19th in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Evans, 0-1 is from Wilson, North Carolina

NEW YORK (May 20, 2019) –Three cites, three wins for Split-T Management fighters this past Saturday night as Ardreal Holmes and Raquel Miller remained undefeated while Carlos Dixon scored a big knockout in his hometown.

Holmes went to 9-0 with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Lanardo Tyner in Dearborn, Michigan.

The 24 year-old Holmes of Flint, Michigan was systematic in winning by shutout tallies on two cards at 60-54 and 58-56 to raise the former amateur star’s record to 9-0.

Miller moved a step closer to winning a world championship as she captured the NABF Middleweight title with a 7th round stoppage over Erin Toughill in Hawaiian Gardens, California.

Miller of San Francisco knocked Toughill down in the 1st round with a body shot, and then she dropped Toughill with a vicious combination that was punctuated by a nasty left hook in the 7th round that sent Toughill to the canvas. Toughill got up, but was in no condition to continue, and the bout was stopped at 1:01.

CLICK FOR LINK OF KNOCKOUT

With the win, the fighter dubbed “Pretty Beast” is now 9-0 with four knockouts.

Also on Saturday night in Louisville, Kentucky, 22 year-old super bantamweight, Carlos Dixon stopped Jeno Tonte in the 2nd round of their scheduled six-round bout.

With the win over the 17 fight veteran, Dixon of Louisville, is now 8-1 with six knockouts.

Holmes and Miller are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

NEW YORK (May 16, 2019) –Three members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action across the United States this weekend.

Undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes takes on Lanardo Tyner in Dearborn, Michigan on Saturday; undefeated middleweight Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller battles veteran Erin Toughill on Saturday night in Hawaiian Gardens, California; ; Also on Saturday, super featherweight Carlos Dixon will be in action against Jeno Tonte.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan has a record of 8-0 with four knockouts The 24 year-old Holmes.was the number-one welterweight in the US, had an outstanding amateur career that culminated in reaching the finals of the Olympic trials.

Holmes competed in over 80 amateur fights and won several major tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship.

Holmes also competed in several major international tournaments. In March 2016, he competed in the World Series of Boxing and scored a sensational knockout over Cyrus Patterson of Great Britain.

In Tyner, he has facing his most experienced foe who has wins over Gilbert Venegas (9-2-2), Antwone Smith (18-1-1), former world champion Vivian Harris (29-6-1), former world title challenger Charles Hatley (17-0-1), Tyrese Hendrix (21-3-1), Luis Eduardo Florez (22-5-2) and Cortez Chambliss (4-0).

Miller of San Francisco has a record of 8-0 with three knockouts, will be looking to continue her winning ways against the battle tested Toughill (7-4-1). Toughill has battles Maricela Cornejo and Laila Ali.

Dixon, 22 years of Louisville has a record of 7-1 with five knockouts, takes on Tonte of Keckskmet, Hungary in an eight-round bout.

Tonte has a record of 9-7 with eight knockouts. Tonte will be making his 6th fight on American soil, and Dixon will be looking to solidify himself as a prospect in the 122-pound division.

Miller and Holmes are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.