Angelo Leo Scores Sensational 10th Round Stoppage over Luis Alberto Lopez to Capture Featherweight Title

Angelo Leo became a two-division world champion with a explosive 10th round stoppage over Luis Alberto Lopez to win the IBF Featherweight champion at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In round nine, Leo started to swell under his right eye. In round 10, Leo landed a perfect left hook to the chin that sent Lopez sprawling flat on his back and he was counted out at 1:16.

Leo, 125.6 lbs of Albuquerque is now 25-1 with 12 knockouts. Lopez, 125.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 30-3.

Leo said, “This means the world to me, fighting back in my hometown. I’ve been yearning for this moment. Like I said, what better way to do it than with a world title shot and with a knockout?
 
“That left hook, we’ve been practicing in camp for four, five months. Not in the gym, but in my room in front of the mirror. I just kept throwing that left hook. And it paid off in the 10th round.
 
“I want to fight all the champions, whether it be Rafael Espinoza for a unification bout. Naoya Inoue, whoever it may be.”

Lindolfo Delgado Defeats Bryan Flores by Split Decision

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado won a 10-round split decision over Bryan Flores.

In round three, Delgado dropped Flores with a clubbing right to the top of the head.

In round seven, Flores was deducted a point for a low blow.

Delgado landed 100 of 354 punches. Flores was 104 of 471.

Delgado won two cards by scores of 96-92 and 95-93. Flores won a card 96-92.

Delgado, 139.9 lbs of Linares, MEX is 21-0. Flores, 139.9 lbs of Juarez, MEX is 26-1-1.

Delgado said, “The victory was not easy, but I enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed every round of it, as we had to stay focused in each moment to win the fight.”

“He came with a strong will to win, and aside from that, he throws his punches with force. But we managed to get the victory. I would like a world title opportunity next

Matthew Griego won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight bout.

Griego, 111.9 lbs of Albuquerque won by scores of 80-2 on all cards and is now 15-0. Mendoza, 110.7 lbs of Modesto, CA is 23-19-4.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Laszlo Toth in the second round of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Mielnicki landed an uppercut that was followed by a left hook to the temple that put Toth down. Toth got to his feet but was stumbling around. His father/trainer entered the ring therefore the official result was a disqualification.

Mielnicki, 154 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 19-1. Toth, 153.3 lbs of Soprom, HUN is 32-9-2.

“I thought it was a knockout, not a DQ,” Mielnicki said. “Xander Zayas, we could get that going in New York soon, probably in another year. Let’s get that going. I heard him call my name. I’d love that.”

Albert Gonzalez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Damian Alcala in a six-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Gonzalez scored a knockdown with a hard combination. Gonzalez continued to land hard shots drilled Alcala with a big uppercut that was followed by a right that put Alcala down again and the fight was stopped at 2:51.

Gonzalez, 126.3 lbs of Moreno Valle, CA is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Alcala, 126.9 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 8-5.

Alan Garcia remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Maickol Lopez Villagrana in a eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Villagrana with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Villagana on the canvas. Later in the round it was a double right hook that put Villagrana down again and the fight was stopped at 2:34.

Garcia, 136.2 lbs of Ulysses, KS is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Villagrana, 136.2 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-6.

Steven Navarro stopped Israel Camacho in the opening round of their six-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Navarra dropped Camacho with a hard left to the body. Seconds later it was another thudding left to the body that put Camacho on the canvas and the fight was over at 2:14.

Navarro, 116.6 lbs of Inglewood, CA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Camacho, 115.6 lbs of Houston is 2-12.

World-ranked featherweight Arnold Khegai stopped Belmar Preciado after round nine of their 10-round bout.

Khegai dominated the fight until Preciado had enough following the ninth frame.

Khegai, 125.8 lbs of Odessa, UKR is 22-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Preciado, 125.9 lbs of Ibohue, COL is 22-8-1.




Press Conference Notes: Featherweight King Venado Lopez and Hometown Hero Angelo Leo Set for ABQ Showdown

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Aug 8, 2024) Mexico’s Road Warrior is ready to risk his title — once again — on enemy turf.

Venado Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs)will defend his IBF featherweight world championship against Angelo Leo (24-1, 11 KOs)on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lopez won his world title in December 2022, upsetting Josh Warrington on the road in Leeds, England. His first title defense, a May 2023 knockout of Michael Conlan, came before a sold-out crowd in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast.

In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, Lindolfo Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs) and Bryan Flores (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will lock horns in an all-Mexican showdown.

Venado-Leo and Delgado-Flores will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Undercard action, streaming exclusively on ESPN+, begins at 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT and features Albuquerque native Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KOs) fighting late replacement opponent Gilberto Mendoza (23-18-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round rematch at flyweight. Griego defeated Mendoza via six-round unanimous decision in June 2022.

Junior middleweight contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. (18-1, 12 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-rounder against Laszlo Toth (32-8-2, 20 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Legacy Boxing Promotions, tickets are on sale via Etix.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Venado Lopez

“I’m used to being taken to different parts of the world. London. Leeds. It doesn’t matter where I go. Venado Lopez, the ‘Road Warrior,’ will always do his job. I work hard in the gym to do what I have to do. If we can end the fight early, we’ll do that. Either way, I’m coming back home as a world champion.”

“We always work on everything. We work on speed. We work on strength. We work on defense. We try to improve everything. I work really hard in the gym. So, the camp ends up really well. Angelo Leo is a former world champion. He wants to be a world champion again. So, we expect the best version of him, and it will be a war.”

Angelo Leo 

“This means the world to me. Fighting back in my hometown is something I’ve always wanted. And what better way to do it than with a title shot.”

“In my last fight, the main goal was to win. I knew everything else would fall into place with a Venado fight.”

Lindolfo Delgado

“I like getting in the ring and doing things well. I don’t do things just to do them. And all of that has helped me. Aside from that, I also like boxing. And I’ve been taught well in the gym as well.”

“They always put really good fighters against me, and like I said, I always try to get better with each fight with every preparation. Every preparation is the same, but I try to do things a bit better. So, that’s what we did for this camp.”

Bryan Flores

“I feel blessed. Aside from the result this Saturday, I feel like a winner already because of all the work I did in the gym. I’m confident. I come with the confidence of having done everything in the gym. Lindolfo is a great fighter and opponent for me. I know it’s going to be a difficult fight, where he can win the {WBO Latino title} as well. But I know it will be a big war on Saturday.”

Matthew Griego

“It’s a dream come true. Fighting on one of these cards for any boxer is a dream come true. It’s just the start of something.”

“I just have to go in there and put on a show. I want to be impressive. That’s what I plan to do.”

“Business as usual. We should be able to adapt to the {late-notice opponent}.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr.

“This is what I’ve been doing since I was 7 years old. It’s all I’ve done. It’s my dream. So, for me to be on this platform, this stage, is a blessing. I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity I get.”

“I just want to continue to grow and build on what we’ve already built. And I’m excited for the next part of my journey.”

Saturday, Aug. 10

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Venado Lopez vs. Angelo Leo, 12 rounds, Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title 

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Bryan Flores, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO Latino Junior Welterweight Title

ESPN+ (5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)

Matthew Griego vs Gilberto Mendoza, 8 rounds, Flyweight

Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Laszlo Toth, 10 rounds, junior middleweight

Albert Gonzalez vs. Damian Alcala, 6 rounds, featherweight

Alan Garcia vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana, 8 rounds, lightweight 

Steven Navarro vs. Israel Camacho, 6 rounds, bantamweight

Arnold Khegai vs. Belmar Preciado, 10 rounds, featherweight




Lindolfo Delgado: “Sparks Are Going to Fly!”

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2024) — Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado is ready to face another unbeaten compatriot.

Delgado returns in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown against Bryan Flores on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Delgado-Flores will be the co-feature to the IBF featherweight world title battle between reigning champion Venado Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs) and hometown challenger Angelo Leo (24-1, 11 KOs).

Venado-Leo and Delgado-Flores will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Legacy Boxing Promotions, tickets are on sale via Etix.com.

Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs) made the jump to contender status when he upset then-unbeaten knockout artist Omar Aguilar in August 2022. Since then, he has continued to defeat some of his country’s toughest junior welterweights, including a fourth-round stoppage of Luis Hernandez last November 2023 and a seventh-round knockout of Carlos Sanchez in March. Flores (26-0-1, 15 KOs) upset Shinard Bunch via split decision in April 2023. He continued his momentum by dispatching Eleazar Valenzuela Carrillo in the third round last September and Jorge Abel Bermudez in the fourth round in March.

Following a recent training session at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, this is what Delgado had to say:

“Bryan Flores is a very good fighter with a lot of experience. He likes to trade, and he packs a punch. So, without a doubt, sparks are going to fly. It’s going to be a really good fight. And defeating him will move me up a bit in the rankings.”

“I have very good sparring partners. I’ve done a lot of sparring with Raymond Muratalla, Brandun Lee, and other boxers here at Roberto Garcia’s training camp. I’ve also gone a few rounds with Vergil Ortiz. They’re good sparring partners. They not only push you but also make you think.”

“And I like that. They’re sparring sessions that make me think and make the rounds complicated so I can bring out my best and learn from them, too. The sparring sessions are really good. I’ve prepared well. Sparks fly here at the gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”

“First things first. We have to fight Bryan Flores. We have to look good. After that, God willing, we can hopefully get a shot at a world title.”




Venado Lopez-Angelo Leo IBF Featherweight World Title Clash Set for August 10 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque LIVE on ESPN

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 17, 2024) — Mexico’s road warrior is about to enter a new enemy territory.

Venado Lopez will put his IBF featherweight world championship on the line against Angelo Leo on Saturday, August 10, at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, Lindolfo Delgado and Bryan Flores will lock horns in an all-Mexican showdown.

Venado-Leo and Delgado-Flores will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Legacy Boxing Promotions, tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. MST via Etix.com.

“Albuquerque is a great fight city, and we are thrilled to be back with an exciting card headlined by a ferocious world champion in Venado Lopez against the hometown kid, Angelo Leo,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Lindolfo Delgado is one of Mexico’s emerging superstars, and his fight against Bryan Flores has all the makings of a Fight of The Year contender. It’s a real throwback card in a place where so many classic fights have occurred.”

Venado (30-2, 17 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is emerging as one of his nation’s most decorated champions. The 30-year-old powerhouse captured the IBF featherweight crown by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, in December 2022. He traveled again to hostile terrain in his first defense, stopping Belfast’s Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO in May 2023. He returned stateside that September to beat division mainstay Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision. In his last outing, he knocked out mandatory challenger Reiya Abe in the eighth round, handing the Japanese contender his first stoppage defeat. Venado is gearing up for his third world title appearance on enemy turf.

“On August 10, I will make it abundantly clear who the king of the featherweight division is. This will be the fourth defense of my world title, and I’m preparing for a great battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” Lopez said. “It will be a magical night for all the fans in New Mexico. I know he is the local fighter, but you already know what happens when I enter enemy territory. The ‘Road Warrior’ is back, and I will put all the division’s champions on notice.”

Leo (24-1, 11 KOs) has already made history as one of six New Mexicans to win a world title. When Leo defeated Tramaine Williams for the vacant WBO junior featherweight strap in 2020, he joined Bob Foster, Johnny Tapia, Danny Romero, Holly Holm, and Austin Trout as “Land of Enchantment” boxers to reach the professional mountaintop. He lost the title five months later to Stephen Fulton and spent more than two years out of the ring following a 2021 victory over Aaron Alameda. Leo moved up to featherweight and won three fights, including a convincing decision over former world title challenger Eduardo Baez in April.

“I’m honored to fight for my second world title, especially in my hometown of Albuquerque. I couldn’t ask for more,” Leo said. “I know Lopez is one of the top champions in my division, and a win over him would be huge for me and my city. I’m in the prime of my career and can’t wait to show the world the fighter I’ve become since winning my first world title in 2020.”

Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs), who recently signed a long-term contract extension with Top Rank, is world-ranked by the IBF and WBC. Following a 3-0 2023 campaign, Delgado entered 2024 intent on crashing the world title picture. In March, he overcame a tough challenge from countryman Carlos Sanchez before dropping him in the fifth round and knocking him out with a sweeping right hand in the seventh. Delgado has bested three undefeated fighters in his career, including a 2022 decision over Omar Aguilar in an eight-round war of attrition.

Delgado said, “I’m ready to deliver another spectacular performance on August 10. I’ve been improving in every fight, and I believe you will all see a Lindolfo Delgado who is more ready than ever for a world title. Bryan Flores is a tough, undefeated fighter. He has a lot of experience. And like all Mexicans, he’s going to bring a war. I hope that’s the case so I can again showcase my abilities as a boxer.”

Flores (26-0-1, 15 KOs), from Juarez, Mexico, has won 22 straight fights since 2015. He is 2-0 when fighting in America, including a nationally televised split decision over highly touted prospect Shinard Bunch in April 2023. Bunch dropped Flores in the opening round, but Flores dominated the second half of the 10-rounder to earn the victory. He has won two fights by stoppage in his hometown since the Bunch triumph, most recently knocking out Jorge Abel Bermudez in four rounds.

“This is the fight and the opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” Flores said. “Lindolfo Delgado is a tough Mexican warrior like I am, and we will give the fans a fight worthy of ESPN.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes the following fights:

  • Undefeated flyweights and Albuquerque natives Abraham Perez (10-0, 5 KOs) and Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KOs) will collide in the 10-round “Duke City Civil War.” Albuquerque has a rich history of all-ABQ showdowns, most notably the 1997 junior bantamweight battle between Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero.
  • U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Joshua Temple (13-3, 10 KOs). He will make his third 2024 appearance following his most significant victory, a fifth-round stoppage over then-undefeated prospect Brandon Moore last month.

  • Lightweight Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line versus Donnie Reeves (9-9, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Garcia began his 2024 campaign in February by toppling Tomas Ornelas in the first stanza before dispatching Gonzalo Fuenzalida in two rounds the following month. He decisioned Wilfredo Flores across eight rounds last month.
     
  • Junior middleweight contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. (18-1, 12 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-rounder. Mielnicki is 10-0 since the only defeat on his ledger. In his last performance, he tallied a one-sided unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz on the Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia undercard.
     
  • Ukrainian featherweight contender Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs) will see action under the Top Rank banner for the first time in a 10-round tilt against Belmar Preciado (22-7-1, 15 KOs). Khegai, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, will look to extend his winning streak to six following a third-round TKO against Jon Martinez in January.



Flores Gets off Deck; Decisions Bunch

Bryan Flores was knocked down in the opening round, but came back to win a 10-round split decision over Shinard Bunch in a junior welterweight at The Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, Californina.

At the end of round one, Bunch landed a combination out of the corner that put Flores on his back. Flores worked himself back in the fight and won by scores of 96-93 for Bunch and 97-92, 95-94 for Flores.

Bunch landed 104 of 411 punches. Flores was 103 of 398.

Flores, 139 1/2 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 24-0-1. Bunch, 139 1/2 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 20-2-1-1.

Schramm wins Majority Decision over Brown

Guido Schramm won a 10-round majority decision over Jahyae Brown in a super welterweight fight.

Schramm landed 210 of 805 punches. Brown was 180 of 570.

Scgramm, 153 3/4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 16-1-1. Brown, 153 3/4 lbs of Schenectady, NY is 13-1.

Garcia and Terry Battle to Draw

Raul Garcia and Robert Terry battled to a eight-round draw in a super welterweight bout.

Garcia landed 92 of 455 punches. Terry was 91 of 309.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 77-75 total, and a third card was even at 76-76.

Garcia is 12-0-1. Terry is 9-0-1.




SHINARD BUNCH VS. BRYAN FLORES OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME

BROOKS, Calif. – April 6, 2023 – Super lightweight prospect Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs), from Queens, N.Y., and undefeated Mexican prospect Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif. in the first of back-to-back nights of live boxing on the network.

The co-feature pits undefeated New York super welterweight Jahyae Brown (13-0, 9 KOs) and intriguing Argentine prospect Guido Schramm in a 10-round contest. Plus, Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic faces Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout that opens the telecast.

In night two of the live boxing doubleheader that features both the stars of today and the future champions of tomorrow, undefeated super welterweight sensation and SHOBOX® alum Sebastian Fundora defends his title against rising contender Brian Mendoza in the main eventlive on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday night at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Plus, episode two of the Emmy®-winning series ALL ACCESS previewing the battle between undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten boxing sensation “King” Ryan Garcia premieres tomorrow night at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT immediately preceding SHOBOX.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call Friday night’s blow-by-blow action alongside former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez with another Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining remotely as the unofficial scorer. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Shinard Bunch – 140 pounds

Bryan Flores – 139.6 pounds

Referee: David Hartman; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Jahyae Brown – 153.2 pounds

Guido Schramm – 153.7 pounds

Referee: Michael Margado; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight Eight-Round Bout

Raul Garcia – 155.8 pounds

Robert Terry – 155.5 pounds

Referee: Edward Collantes; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Note: Contracted weight is 156 pounds.

FINAL QUOTES:

SHINARD BUNCH

“Everything happens for a reason. A couple of years ago, I didn’t get the decision against Janelson Bocachica, although I felt I deserved it. Now I’m here.

“I’ve fought at 147 and 140. When I was at welterweight, I didn’t think I could be a 140-pounder, but Chino [Raul Rivas] pushed me and we made it happen. I felt good. I felt things were easier at this weight and that’s why we are fighting at 140 now.

“I don’t watch a lot of film because I don’t want to overthink. I let my trainer watch tape and come up with a gameplan for me.

“I felt that at the beginning of my career I could have trained better. As I’m growing as a boxer, my training has grown as well. I’ve been with Chino about three years now and we are taking everything very seriously. After this fight, I’d like to be in the top 10 of the division.

“This is the next step of my career. I think I may be three or four fights away from a title shot if I do things right.

“I’m going in there to box all ten rounds, but my opponent’s been down a few times. So don’t be surprised if the fight ends early.

“And yes, my middle name is actually Showtime. My mom said she knew I was going to be a star one day and she needed to name me appropriately.

“I’m in a very hot division. There’s a lot of talent at 140. I’m willing to fight anybody. I want to keep on learning. Keep on growing. I’d like to fight fighters with different styles. I can always learn something new and excel. I’d like to fight the best, whoever is at the top. I definitely see myself growing into the best boxer I can be.”

BRYAN FLORES

“Three fights ago, I had a tough test against Nestor Maidana. I was knocked down three times, but I ended up winning with a KO. In that fight I learned a lot. I realized that I made mistakes in my preparation. It was really hard to make 135 pounds so that’s why I’m moving up.

“I’ve been training with Ismael Salas for over a year. I’m in Las Vegas during training camp and come back home to Mexico when I’m not fighting.

“I’m an aggressive-minded fighter. I have a Mexican style. With my trainer, Salas, I’ve learned to control the distance and fight smarter. But when I get hit, I get all fired up. I get mad and that fuels me.

“My opponent is a strong guy. We have similar records. He hasn’t faced a guy like me, and I haven’t faced a guy like him before. It’ll be a really good fight. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m not about to let it go by.

“The amateur system helped me a lot. I’ve been traveling since I was 14. I was in the Mexican national team. All this experience really helped me as a pro.”

JAHYAE BROWN

“I’m from upstate New York but I train under Dwight Yarde in Las Vegas. He’s helped me to get to a different level. I’m a good student and I’m ready to step up to the challenge. I have the edge. I’m taller, I have a longer reach. I’m going to take control of the fight and stop him in the later rounds.

“I’ve been preparing with Shinard Bunch and Vito Mielnicki, Jr., in Las Vegas. I also sparred with Jallil Hackett, who’s a 175-pounder. I did well.  I’m ready for whatever my opponent brings to the table. I know that he moves a lot and he can be tricky at times.

“I come from a different background. I played football. I grew up in a tough part of town. I would fight with my cousins, my siblings. We went to a boxing gym and I just fell in love with it.

“I push myself. I trained very hard and follow my coach’s advice. I do as I’m told. He knows what he’s doing. He’s trained Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis. I’m glad he is in my corner.”

GUIDO SCHRAMM

“We found out a week ago that we’d be fighting on SHOBOX on April 7. We had actually been training for a different fight on the 8th until this opportunity came along. Fortunately, we were able to work it out and make it happen. Things can change day to day in boxing and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on TV in the United States and showcase my skills.

“When it’s time to box, I’ll box. When it’s time to brawl, I’ll brawl. Whatever it takes when I’m in the ring. I’ll adjust to whatever is coming and I’ll take it from there.

“I have the experience edge, and I’ve been sparring with a lot of elite fighters. So I feel prepared and hope everything goes my way this weekend.”

RAUL GARCIA

“The Dominican Republic is producing a lot of champs and I’d like to add my name to that list one day. Seeing Alberto Puello, Carlos Adames, Hector Luis Garcia succeed in their boxing careers truly inspires me to work hard and change my life.

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. I listen to the instructions of my corner, and just get things done. They call me ‘el domador’ [the lion tamer]. I’m not afraid of anything. My opponent, whose nickname is ‘Tiger,’ should watch out. I’ve tamed all sorts of cats.

“This is my first fight with Bob Santos. We’ve worked on my ring IQ, technique and boxing strategy.”

ROBERT TERRY

“I’m still shocked. It’s a huge deal for me to fight on SHOBOX and I’m excited. It came suddenly and when we got the call, I was super excited. This is what we’ve been working for and we want to show everybody what we’re capable of. I needed a chance, and this is it.

“I expect my opponent to come with his A-game and fully prepared. He has a lot of knockouts and I expect him to come strong and ready, but this is what we’ve worked and prepared for.

“I’ve always pictured, in my mind, performing on a big stage like this. So during my three-year layoff, I never doubted that I’d fight again.

“I’m going to feed off the lights and the cameras and all the energy that this type of fight is going to bring. I know that everyone is going to be tuned in. I’ve got a lot of people watching and I’m going to feed off of their support.

“I started getting knockouts as my opponents got better. The better my opponents have been, the more I’ve progressed. Them being better has made me have to be better.”

# # #

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, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., La, ont 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 CO-FEATURE ADDED TO EXCITING SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TRIPLEHEADER ON FRIDAY, APRIL 7

NEW YORK – March 31, 2023 – Undefeated New York super welterweight Jahyae Brown will face intriguing Argentine prospect Guido Schramm in a newly added 10-round co-feature as part of an exciting SHOBOX tripleheader on Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME® from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif.

The bout replaces the super featherweight bout between Neri Romero and Frency Fortunato that fell out due to an injury suffered by Romero. The main event will feature Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs) from Queens, N.Y., taking on Mexico’s Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest. The telecast opener pits Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic against Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

The 23-year-old Brown (13-0, 9 KOs) is a former FedEx driver who has committed himself full-time in his quest to someday be a world champion. Promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Brown hails from Schenectady, N.Y., and went 80-4 in the amateurs winning the New York Silver Gloves. In 2015, Brown won the Elite National Silver Gloves Championship and a year later reached the semifinals of the U-19 Nationals. He advanced through the Junior Olympic Trials and competed in the USA National Junior Olympic Tournament. He turned pro in 2019.

The 27-year-old Schramm (15-1-1, 9 KOs) is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing. Known as a pressure fighter who comes forward, Schramm started boxing late at 17 and finished his amateur career with a record of 45-4 and won six overall amateur titles in Argentina. For the past three years, Schramm has trained in Los Angeles under Lionel Lara, and at one time trained alongside former world champion Brian Castaño and his team.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action alongside former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez with another Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining remotely as the unofficial scorer. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean 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 88 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. 




SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT SHINARD BUNCH TAKES ON UNDEFEATED BRYAN FLORES IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®IN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, APRIL 7

NEW YORK – March 13, 2023 – Nearly two months after O’Shaquie Foster became the 88th SHOBOX: The New Generation alumni to win a world title, two young super lightweight prospects will battle it out on the prospect-oriented series as returnee Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs) from Queens, N.Y., takes on Mexico’s Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME® from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif.

The SHOBOX® tripleheader pits six fighters with a combined record of 95-2-1 and 62 knockouts.

In the co-main event, Neri Romero (16-0, KOs) of Argentina takes on Frency Fortunato (15-1, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic against Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout. They all hope to one day follow in the footsteps of Foster, who out-dueled Rey Vargas on February 11 on SHOWTIME to capture the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship after he fought four times on SHOBOX.

The card is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz and his Sampson Boxing promotion company.

“We are excited to put on our third SHOBOX event over the first four months of the year that will once again feature step-up battles for each fighter,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Our main event is an elevated SHOBOX bout with Shinard Bunch facing Bryan Flores in their toughest test with the winner on the verge of becoming a contender. That’s the essence of SHOBOX – the winner punches their ticket and moves a step closer to becoming a champion while the runner-up gains exposure and a learning experience to grow on and stay in the hunt.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Bunch vs. Flores – 10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event

Managed by International Boxing Hall of Famer, J. Russel Peltz, the 23-year-old Bunch suffered a controversial split draw in his SHOBOX debut against the tough and undefeated Janelson Figueroa Bocachica. Following the draw, he reeled off five consecutive wins, including his last fight in December, a unanimous decision against Henry Lundy. Since turning pro in 2019, Bunch fought five times in 2020 and eight times in 2021 before slowing down a bit with three bouts in 2022. Bunch’s only pro loss came in 2019 in just his third fight, a unanimous decision loss to SHOBOX alum and amateur standout Paul Kroll. Bunch started his boxing path at age 7 and had more than 400 amateur fights, earning a No. 3 national ranking from the 2016 Nationals and a spot on the USA Boxing national team. A native of Queens, N.Y., Bunch currently lives and trains in Trenton, N.J.

“It’s a blessing to be back on SHOBOX,” said Bunch, who was on the same USA National team as Errol Spence Jr., and Shakur Stevenson. “Not only on SHOBOX, but as a main event. I’ve always dreamed of this. I have a great opponent who is very tough, and I know he’s coming to fight. He’s 23-0 looking to make a statement, so this is definitely going to be a war. This fight should come down to who wants it more.”

Flores was a Mexican national champion as an amateur in 2010 and 2011 and a bronze medalist in 2012. He fought 90 times in the amateur ranks suffering just eight defeats. Flores has fought almost entirely in Mexico, except for one bout in Carson in December of 2021 when he knocked out Tyrone Luckey in the first round.

“I think my opportunity has arrived, I am very motivated,” Flores said. “I am happy for the opportunity and I want to give everything in each training session. I feel that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Romero vs. Fortunato – 10-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Romero amassed a 49-7 amateur record with 12 KOs. He was a 2014 gold medalist of the Star Tournament (Torneo de las estrellas) and 2015 champion at the Challenge Tournament of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. Romero fought twice in 2022, his last win coming by way of eighth-round TKO in August against Jorge Sanchez.

“I’m glad to come back to the U.S. for such a great opportunity,” Romero said. “This is the most important fight of my career as a great win will put me in a great position to finally have shot at the world title. I’ll do anything to get away with an impressive victory. That’s exactly what I’m training for.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Fortunato has fought just twice in the U.S, and last September he showed his boxing skills and power holding off a late rally from the aggressive Bernard Torresto capture a split decision on SHOBOX in Atlantic City, N.J. Previously, he stopped Julio Buitrago in two rounds in Daytona Beach in August 2020 and prior to that win, he had beaten two consecutive undefeated opponents in then 14-0 Marcos Muniz and then 6-0 Misael Vasquez. Fortunato’s lone blemish came at the hands of Argentine Alberto Ezequiel Melian in a 10-round unanimous decision loss in Argentina in which Fortunato sent Melian to the canvas four times.

“I’m so happy to come back to SHOBOX and I want to thank my manager Gardner Payne, who is helping me to reach my goal to become world champion,” Fortunato said. “I know my opponent is experienced and has fought internationally, but he’s never faced a boxer like me and when we finally meet he will see that I am one of the top featherweight boxing prospects in the world.”

Garcia vs. Terry – Eight-Round Super Welterweight Bout

An excellent puncher with fast hands, 24-year-old Garcia of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, had over 150 amateur fights before turning professional in May 2021 and quickly rattled off a dozen impressive victories over domestic competition, including taking the undefeated “0” of countryman Francisco Ernesto Sanchez. He was last seen in December 2022, stopping then 22-3 veteran Angel Yomar Mateo in six rounds. Garcia says he began to dream of becoming a world champion after meeting the great Oscar De La Hoya as a young amateur.

“This will be my first trip to the U.S. to fight, and I want to show that I deserve this big opportunity,” Garcia said. “I know that many fighters who start on SHOBOX reach my dream of becoming a world champion. I hope to reach the heights of my idol, Oscar De La Hoya someday.”

Terry began boxing at age 14 and won five New Jersey Golden Glove titles, including four at 152 pounds. He was a 2017 National Golden Gloves finalist at 165 pounds. Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J., Terry had approximately 65 amateur fights and fought in Ireland in 2010 as an amateur.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on SHOBOX,” Terry said. “I see this as a chance to showcase my talent in front of a national audience and I’m hopeful that this win could lead to bigger opportunities for me. I have a great team that I trust and I can’t wait to execute the game plan on April 7.”

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 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 expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean 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 88 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.