Katzourakis Stops Ortiz in 7

Andreas Katzourakis stopped Roberto Ortiz in round seven of their 10-round junior middleweight bout in a battle of undefeated fighters at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Hosuton.

In round seven, Katzourakis landed a heavy barrage of punches on the ropes that finally put Ortiz on the canvas. Ortiz got to his feet, but the corner of Ortiz waved the towel and the fight was stopped at 2:37

Katzourakis of Houston via Athens, Greece is noe 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Ortiz of Cayay, PR is 11-1.

Breyon Gorham won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Feliciano in a junior welterweight bout.

In round eight, Gorham dropped Feliciano with a counter right.

Gorham landed 127 of 387 punches. Feliciano was 96 of 499.

Gorham, 140 lbs of Houston won by scores of 99-90, 98-91 and 97-92 and is now 19-0. Feliciano, 139.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 17-3.

Giovanni Marquez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Esteban Munoz in a junior welterweight fight.

In round two, Munoz was bleeding around the right.

Marquez of Houston won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 13-0. Munoz of San Bernadimo, CA is 10-5.

Nathan Lugo stopped Austin Dulworth in round five in a scheduled six-round super middleweight

In round four, Lugo landed a booming right that sent Dulworth on his back.

In round five, Lugo continued to pound Dulworth and the fight was stopped at 2:47.

Lugo, 169 lbs of Marietta, GA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Dulworth, 169 lbs of Dallas is 4-4.

Oscar Perez won a eight-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Cesar Juarez in a lightweight bout.

In round four, Juarez was deducted a point for low blows.

In round five, Perez scored a knockdown as Juarez walked into a straight left to the head.

Perez, 135 lbs of Houston won by scores of 80-70 on all cards and is now 13-0-2. Juarez, 135 lbs of Mexico City is 31-19.

Elijah Lugo won a four-round unanimous decision over Chris Porter in a middleweight fight.

Lugo landed 114 of 257 punches. Porter was 29 of 201.

Lugo, 160.6 lbs of Marietta, GA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Porter, 160.6 lbs of East St. Louis is 2-3-2.




EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS: HOUSTON’S HOMETOWN KIDS, ANDREAS KATZOURAKIS AND GIOVANNI MARQUEZ TAKE CENTER STAGE AT OTX7

May 13, 2024 – OTX is coming to Texas! Making its debut in Houston, OTX7 will go down Friday, May 31 at Red Owl Boxing featuring some of Houston’s hometown kids. 

  • Andreas Katzourakis (12-0, 10 KOs), OTX Tournament fighter, super welterweight

    • Katzourakis will step up in his first 10-round bout to take on Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov (20-2 12KOs) in a true Overtime Boxing 50/50 fight, in the first round of The OTX Tournament live on DAZN from Red Owl Boxing. 
    • Athens native, Andreas “Katz” Katzourakis is looking to become the first Greek World Champion since Anton Christoforidis in 1941. Katz began boxing full-time at the age of 15, after competing in martial arts with over 600 point fighting bouts to his name. Becoming a dominant amateur boxer in Greece, he is a 4x Greek national champion and has racked up a record of 25-1, 18 stoppages (18-0, 16 stoppages in his home country).  

  • He moved to the US in 2018, briefly training with Abel Sanchez at the famed Summit Gym in Big Bear, CA before Sanchez retired from the sport. Katz then stepped into legendary trainer Ronnie Shields’ camp, sparred with Jermall Charlo’s, and impressed Shields immediately. 
  • Katz now lives and trains in Houston, TX with Shields, who has coached many greats including Pernell Whittaker, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, David Tua, Vernon Forrest, and Jermall Charlo to name a few. Ronnie believes Katzourakis has the skill and desire to be his next great champion.
  • Katz has built a very sizable support base in Houston through the Greek Orthodox church and the support of the Greek restaurant community. He’s also a high-level chess player and talented artist. 

  • Giovanni Marquez (9-0, 5 KOs), OTX Fighter, Super lightweight,

    • Undefeated Houston-born and-raised, Giovanni Marquez will square off in an all-Texas showdown with San Antonio’s Jason “El Gallo” Limon (8-1-1 2KOs) over 8 rounds in the super lightweight division. The two have been jawing back and forth on social media (click here to watch), and the state of Texas is buzzing for these two to settle it in the ring on May 31. 
    • Gio was destined to be a boxing star. He grew up around boxing as his father, Raul Marquez, was a world champion. He fell in love with the sport and the rest is history. 
    • He did try other sports though. At just 12 years old, Gio was playing football, swimming, and soccer. While he loved football, he always sparring with his brothers and messing around in the gym, but it was his first amateur fight at 12 where it turned a corner. He realized boxing was his true passion. 
    • Gio also credits his grandfather for not just encouraging him to box, but always taking the time to practice and fake spar with him – something they still do today. 
    • He may have been a late bloomer to the national amateur stage, but he’s quickly making a name for himself. In 2021, he became the National Golden Glove Champion and won the Most Outstanding Fighter of the Tournament award. He’s also a Texas amateur Star, having won 14x state/regional tournament championships. 
    • Riding high off a thrilling victory at OTX 5, Gio is primed for a blockbuster showdown in Houston. This fight will be his third OTX fight night, the most of any other fighter thus far. 

OTX has continued to dominate in and outside the ring, doubling total viewership on social content and racking up hundreds of thousands of views on live streams. In just 10 months, OTX channels have generated over 3BN views on boxing content and ballooned over 500% in audience size, encompassing 3.3MM followers across all platforms. 

For the first time, as part of OTX’s partnership with DAZN, all fights will be available to watch on the DAZN app for free, and streamed on DAZN and Overtime’s social media channels. 

Visit https://otboxing.com for more info and tickets visit here




Split-T Management Goes Seven-For-Seven Over the Weekend

NEW YORK (April 1, 2024) – Split-T Management fighters were a perfect seven-for-seven over two cards this past weekend.

Friday night on the Overtime Boxing series in Atlanta in a battle of undefeated lightweight, Haven Brady Jr. stopped Waldemar Carril in round six of their eight-round bout.

In round five, Brady dropped Carril with a perfect overhand chopping right hand. Later in the round, Brady was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Brady landed a hard combination on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Brady, 132.6 lbs of Albany, GA is 12-0 with five knockouts. Carril, 133 lbs of Puerto Rico is 8-1.

Giovanni Marquez dominated former world title challenger Jayson Velez and won a six-round unanimous decision on a junior welterweight bout.

Marquez, 142 1/4 lbs of Houston won by scores of 60-54 and is now 9-0. Velez, 142 1/4 lbs over Puerto Rico is 30-14-1.

Oshae Jones remained undefeated with a five-round beatdown over Sonya Dreiling in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

In rounds two and three, Jones battered Dreiling to the point where Dreiling started to bleed from her face.

Finally in round five the bout was halted as Dreiling was taking a large amount of punishment.

Jones, 153 3/4 lbs of Toledo, OH is 6-0 with two knockouts. Dreiling of Greely, CO is 6-5.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Donte Layne stopped DeShaun Mitchell in the opening round of their four-round bout.

In round one, Layne dropped Mitchell as he hurt him with a right to the top of the head. Layne scored a second knockdown with a hard flurry. Mitchell was unsteady and got dropped again after eating a series of rights and lefts and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Layne, 168 lbs of Elmont, NY is 2-0 with two knockouts. Mitchell, 167 3/4 lbs of Independence, MS is 2-1.

Saturday night at Harrahs Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, three more Split-T Fighters continued their upswing towards contendership.

Saturday night in Chester, PA, Greg Outlaw stopped Rondale Hubbert in round three of their scheduled eight-round bout that headlined at Harrahs Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack.

Outlaw dropped Hubbert four times and the bout was stopped at 2:31.

Outlaw of Bowie, MD is now 14-2 with eight knockouts. Hubbert of Duluth, Minnesota is 16-29-3.

LeAnna Cruz continued to climb towards a world title shot as he took a six-round unanimous decision over Josefina Vegas in a super flyweight bout.

Cruz of Allentown, PA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards to raise her record to 9-0. Vega of Quito, Ecuador is 9-9.

Trinidad Vargas remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Robin Ellis in a super flyweight bout.

Vargas of Grand Prairie, Texas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 5-0. Ellis of Hempstead, NY is 6-3-2.




Elijah Pierce Gets off Deck and Stops Villanueva in 4

Elijah Pierce survived an early knockdown and came back to stop former world title challenger Arthur Villanueva in round four in a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight at The Overtime Arena in Atlanta.

In round two, Villanueva hurt Pierce with a hard right that had him stumbling across the ring and another right put Pierce on the canvas. In round four, Pierce dropped Villanueva with a straight left. Pierce ended things as he battered Villanueva with a series of hard left hands that made Villanueva wilt to the canvas just before the end of the round.

Pierce, 121.8 lbs of Atlanta is 20-2 with 16 knockouts. Villanueva, 122.8 lbs of Bago City, PHL is 35-5.

In a battle of undefeated lightweight, Haven Brady Jr. stopped Waldemar Carril in round six of their eight-round bout.

In round five, Brady dropped Carril with a perfect overhand chopping right hand. Later in the round, Brady was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Brady landed a hard combination on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Brady, 132.6 lbs of Albany, GA is 12-0 with five knockouts. Carril, 133 lbs of Puerto Rico is 8-1.

Decaree Scott stopped Teddy Webster in round four of a six-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Webster had a small cut around his left eye.

In round four, Scott dropped Webster with a left uppercut. Later in the round, Scott continued to batter Webster in the corner and the fight was stopped after a barrage of punches at 2:11.

Scott, 274 1/4 lbs of Atlanta is 9-1 with eight knockouts. Webster, 252 3/4 lbs of Mississippi is 6-3.

Giovanni Marquez dominated former world title challenger Jayson Velez and won a six-round unanimous decision on a junior welterweight bout.

Marquez, 142 1/4 lbs of Houston won by scores of 60-54 and is now 9-0. Velez, 142 1/4 lbs over Puerto Rico is 30-14-1.

Oshae Jones remained undefeated with a five-round beatdown over Sonya Dreiling in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

In rounds two and three, Jones battered Dreiling to the point where Dreiling started to bleed from her face.

Finally in round five the bout was halted as Dreiling was taking a large amount of punishment.

Jones, 153 3/4 lbs of Toledo, OH is 6-0 with two knockouts. Dreiling of Greely, CO is 6-5.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Donte Layne stopped DeShaun Mitchell in the opening round of their four-round bout.

In round one, Layne dropped Mitchell as he hurt him with a right to the top of the head. Layne scored a second knockdown with a hard flurry. Mitchell was unsteady and got dropped again after eating a series of rights and lefts and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Layne, 168 lbs of Elmont, NY is 2-0 with two knockouts. Mitchell, 167 3/4 lbs of Independence, MS is 2-1.




Oshae Jones, Haven Brady Jr., Giovanni Marquez and Donte Layne in Action Tonight on Overtime Card in Atlanta

NEW YORK (March 29, 2024) – Tonight in Atlanta, the second year of OTX Boxing commences and Split-T Management fighters will be featured prominently on the opening broadcast.

In a 10-round bout, undefeated Oshae Jones will take on Sonya Dreiling in a junior middleweight bout.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is 5-0 with one stoppage and is coming off her first stoppage victory as she took out Samantha Pill in the opening round on November 10, 2023 in Philadelphia.

Dreiling of Albertville, Alabama is 6-4 with two knockouts. Pill has quality wins over Jordanne Garcia (4-0-1), Chavelle Hallbeck (33-8-1) and Garcia (4-1-2).

In an eight-round super featherweight bout, undefeated Haven Brady Jr. takes on Waldemar Caril Areizaga.

Brady of Albany, Georgia will be fighting close to home and brings in a record of 11-0 with four knockouts. The 22 year-old Brady has defeated Roberto Negrete (3-0), Jose Argel (8-2), Eric Mondragon (8-0-1), Ruben Cervea (13-3), Andre Rene Rodrigues (9-0) and his last fight when Brady won a unanimous decision over Deivi Julio on November 10, 2023 in Philadelphia.

Like Brady, the 25 year-old Areizaga is undefeated at 8-0 with four knockouts. The Moca, Puerto Rico native has a win over Addiel Perez Maldonado (3-0). Areizaga won a unanimous decision over Jose Rodriguez Crespo on October 28, 2023 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico,

Undefeated junior welterweight Giovanni Marquez takes on former world title challenger Jayson Velez in a six-round bout.

Marquez of Houston is 8-0 with five knockouts with wins over Nelson Morales (2-0) and Nicky Vitone (9-2-1). The 23 year-old Marquez is coming off a unanimous decision over Joshua David Rivera on December 1, 2023 in Houston.

Velez of Juncos, Puerto Rico is 30-13-1 and has defeated Jesus Bryan (5-1), Carlos Valcarcel (12-2-4), Salvador Sanchez (30-4-3), Dat Nguyan (17-2), Miguel Soto-Alvarez (12-2), Daniel Ramirez (11-2), Alberto Mercado (13-0-1), former world champion Manuel Lopez (35-5), Victor Terrazes (38-5-2), Juan Carlos Quintana (9-0-1).

Super Middleweight Dontae Layne will look for his second win without a loss when takes on DeShaun Mitchel in a four-round bout.

Layne of Elmont, New York began his pro career with a first round stoppage over Nathan Mitcheel on August 25th in Atlanta.

Mitchell of Mississippi is 2-0 with two knockouts.

The fights will be streamed Live on DAZN beginning at 8 PM ET.




Undefeated Giovanni Marquez in Action Tonight in Houston

NEW YORK (December 1, 2023) – Split-T Management’s undefeated junior welterweight Giovanni Marquez will be back in action TONIGHT as he takes on Joshua David Rivera at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Marquez hometown of Houston.

Marquez is 7-0 with five knockouts. The 22 year-old has impressive wins over Nelson Morales (2-0) and Nicky Vittone (9-2-1) and is coming off a second round stoppage of Donte Strayhorn on October 14th in Rosenberg, Texas.

Rivera of Le Mesa, California is 8-3 with three knockouts. The 29 year-old Rivera is coming off a loss to Larry Fryers on April 27th.

The bout is part of a DAZN streamed card that begins at 8 PM ET.

Photo By Mikey Williams / Top Rank




Giovanni Marquez and Javier Zamarron Score Knockouts Over The Weekend

NEW YORK (October 17, 2023) -Two of Split-T Management’s young prospects were impressive in scoring knockouts over the weekend.

Saturday night in Rosenberg, Texas, Giovanni Marquez remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage over Donte Strayhorn in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Marquez dropped Strayhorn with two right uppercuts. Seconds later, it was a vicious four punch combination that was punctuated by a left hook that put Strayhorn on the deck. Marquez ended things by landing seven unanswered punches that finished the fight at 2:47.

Marquez, 141.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 7-0 with five knockouts. Strayhorn, 140.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 12-5-1.

Sunday in Milwaukee, junior lightweight Javier Zamarron stopped veteran Rodolfo Hernandez Montoya in the opening round of their six-round bout.

Zamarron was impressive in finishing Montoya off at 1:58 of the opening frame.

Zamarron was fighting in front of the home folks as the Sheboygan, Wisconsin native raised his mark to 6-0 with four knockouts. Montoya of Mexico City is 30-15-1.




Alimkhanuly Stops Gualtieri in Six to Unify Middleweight Titles

Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped Vincenzo Gualtieri in round six to retain his WBO and win the IBF Middleweight title at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas.

Alimkhanuly hurt Gualtieri in round five with a devastating left uppercut. In round six, it was another uppercut that hurt Gualtieri that made him stumble to the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Alimkhanuly, 159.3 lbs of Kazakhstan is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Gualtieri, 159.5 lbs of Germany is 21-1-1.

Janibek said, “This is my style of fighting. This is Qazaq style, and this is what I will continue to do.
 
“We knew from the beginning that he wasn’t going to fight back. He was waiting because he thought I was going to get tired. But I didn’t get tired.
 
“We would like to add another two belts to this collection. We hope that our promoter Top Rank can organize that.”
 
Gualtieri said, “Congratulations to Janibek. He was better tonight. But I think it was a little bit early to end the fight. But he was better today.

Keyshawn Davis won a 10-round majority decision over Nahir Albright in a lightweight bout.

Davis landed 139 of 331 punches. Albright was 92 of 425.

Davis, 135 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 10-0. Albright, 134.9 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 16-3.

Davis said, “I had it as a win for me. That’s all that matters. He was a tough fighter. And this fight today gave me some good experience. I was feeling good. I was just boxing. I was just having fun and doing what I want to do.
 
“I just want to show that I belong at the top of the 135-pound division. I’m working my way up there. If Jose Pedraza is willing to take a fight with me, then let’s do it.”

Richard Torrez Jr. remained perfect by stopping Tyrell Anthony Herndon in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Torrez dropped Herndon with a hard 1-2 combination. Torrez jumped all over Herndon and landed an assault and the fight was stopped when Herndon turned his back at 1:26.

Torrez, 233.1 lbs of Talure, CA is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Herndon, 234.8 lbs of San Antonio is 21-5.

Torrez said, “This is a process. Top Rank has the best matchmakers, and I fight whoever they put in front of me. If they say I’m ready to fight eight-rounders next, I’ll be ready.
 
“I’m not expecting knockouts. When I don’t expect them, that’s when they happen. It’s a Catch 22. If I expect the knockouts, then they don’t happen. I just want to show my boxing ability, and I got two rounds in this time. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Guido Vianello won an eight-round unanimous decision over Curtis Harper in a heavyweight bout.

Vianello, 241.3 lbs of Rome, ITA won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 11-1-1. Harper, 275.5 lbs of Clarksville, TN is

Giovanni Marquez remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage over Donte Strayhorn in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Marquez dropped Staryhorn with two right uppercuts. Seconds later, it was a vicious four punch combination that was punctuated by a left hook that put Strayhorn on the deck. Marquez ended things by landing seven unanswered punches that finished the fight at 2:47.

Marquez, 141.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 7-0 with five knockouts. Strayhorn, 140.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 12-5-1.

Duke Ragan got off the deck to win a eight-round split-decision over Jose Perez in a featherweight bout.

In round five, Pere landed a big left hook that dropped Ragan. Ragan was cut on his right cheekbone. In round seven, Perez was cut over his right eye.

Ragan, 125.3 lbs of Cincinatti, OH was coming off a year layoff, and won by scores of 76-75 twice, while Perez took a card 76-75.

Ragan is now 10-0. Perez, 126.4 lbs of Oak Hill, CA is 11-2-2.

Kelvin Davis remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Narcisco Carmona in a junior welterweight. fight.

Davis, 142 lbs. of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 80-72, 79=73 and 77-75 and is now 10-0. Carmona, 142.6 lbs of Servilla, SPA is 11-2-1.

Alan Garcia remained with a six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Hampton in a junior welterweight fight.

Garcia, 137.8 lbs of Ulysses, KN won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0. Hampton, 137.3 lbs of McAllen, TX is 10-8.

Oscar Bravo and Humberto Galindo fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior lightweight fight.

In round three, Galindo was deducted a point for a low blow. In round four, Bravo was deducted a point for holding.

Scores were 76-74 for Galindo and 75-75 twice.

Bravo, 130.8 lbs of Sabtiago, CHL is 25-13-1. Gallindo, 131.7 lbs of Tijuan, MEX is 14-3-2.

Jakhungir Zokirov made a successful pro debut with a fourth-round stoppage over Guillermo Del Rio in the final scheduled round of their heavyweight bout.

In round one, Zokirov dropped Del Rio with a left hand.

In round four, Zokirov dropped Del Rio Again with another straight left and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Zokirov, 263.5 lbs of Uzbekistan is 1-0 with one knockout. Del Rio, 217.1 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 4-5-1.




Undefeated Giovanni Marquez in Action TONIGHT in Rosenberg, Texas

NEW YORK (October 14, 2023) -TONIGHT Undefeated junior welterweight Giovanni Marquez takes on veteran Donte Strayhorn at The Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas.

Marquez, who is managed by Split-T Management, will be fighting in Rosenberg, which is just about 45 minutes from his Houston home. The 22-year-old National Golden Gloves winner, Marquez has a record of 6-0 with four knockouts. Marquez turned professional with a win over undefeated Nelson Morales and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Nicky Vittone on August 11th in Atlanta.

Strayhorn of Las Vegas is 12-4-1 with four knockouts. The 32-year-old is coming off an eight-round draw with undefeated Benjamin Gurment (8-0-2) on July 1st in Mesquite, Texas.

The fight will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 5:55 ET.

Marquez weighed 141.3 lbs. Strayhorn was 140.2 lbs.




Tyler Howard, David Navarro, Giovanni Marquez and Antonio Mireles Post Wins Over The Weekend

NEW YORK (August 15, 2023) – Four Split-T Management fighters posted big wins over the weekend in Atlanta and Glendale, Arizona.

in Atlanta, Tyler Howard won an eight-round majority decision over Raul Solomon in a middleweight bout.

In round one, Howard dropped Solomon with a left hook to the jaw.

?That was the difference in the fight as Howard, 160 lbs of Crosville, Tennessee won by scores of 78-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 19-1. Solomon, 160 1/4 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 12-2.

David Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over D’Angelo Fuentes in a featherweight bout.

Navarro, 127 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 6-1. Fuentes, 126.6 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 8-2.

Giovanni Marquez was impressive in stopping Nicky Vitone in round two of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

At the end of round one, Marquez landed a blistering combination that was punctuated by a perfect left hook to the head that sent Vitone to the canvas. In round two, Marquez hurt Vitone with a hard right and uppercut that set off a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 59 seconds.

Marquez, 141.2 lbs of Houston is 6-0 with four knockouts. Vitone, 140.6 lbs of Pine Brook, NJ is 9-3-1.

Howard, Marquez and Navarro’s fights were part of the second edition of OTX Boxing on DAZN.

In Glendale, Arizona, 6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles stopped DaJuan Calloway in the sixth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Mireles was vicious in the final round as he landed a bevy of hard punches that snapped the head back of the nearly 400 lb. Calloway, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

The 270 lb. Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is now 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Calloway, who tipped in at 391 lbs, is now 7-3.

Mireles is promoted by Top Rank, and the fight was seen live on ESPN+.




Tyler Howard, David Navarro and Giovanni Marquez in Action Tonight in Atlanta

NEW YORK (August 11, 2023) – Split-T Management fighters will be front and center in action over the coming weekend.

Friday night in Atlanta. three Split-T fighters will be in action on the second installment of the OTX Boxing series on DAZN at 8:30 PM ET.

Tyler Howard will be back in action after a 21-month layoff when he takes on Raul Solomon in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Howard of Crossville, Tennessee has a record of 19-1 with 11 knockouts. The 29 year-old Howard has quality wins over Isiah Seldon (12-1-1 & Cristian Olivas (16-3). Howard is coming off his first blemish when he lost to Ian Green on November 5, 2021 in Las Vegas,

Solomon of Long Beach, California is 12-1 with 10 knockouts. The 24 year-old is coming off a second round stoppage of Angel Hernandez on April 15th of Pomona, California.

In a six-round featherweight bout, David Navarro takes on D’Angelo Fuentes. Navarro of Hemet, California is 5-1 with three knockouts. The 23 year-old Navarro has won three straight, and is coming off a second round stoppage over Luis Cambero on October 21, 2022 in Atlantic City.

Fuentes of Coconut Creek, Florida is 8-1 with five knockouts. The 24 year old has already defeated Justice Bland (5-1) and his last fight, which was a second round stoppage over previously undefeated Kevin Ford (4-0) on October 7, 2022 in Bensalem, PA.

Also seeing action in Atlanta will be former National Golden Gloves champion Giovanni Marquez. Marquez will take on Nicky Vittone in a six-round junior welterweight bout.

Marquez, 22 of Houston, Texas is 5-0 with three knockouts. Marquez began his pro career with a win over undefeated Nelson Morales. In his last bout, Marquez won a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Springs on April 1st in Houston.

Vittone of Pine Brook, New Jersey is 9-2-1 with seven knockouts. The 27 year-old is looking to get back in the win column after being stopped by Jordan Rosario on April 1st in Paramus, New Jersey.

Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, undefeated heavyweight Antonio Mireles takes on Dajuan Calloway in a six-round bout.

The 6’9″ Mireles is 7-0 with six knockouts. Mireles has already defeated undefeated fighters Brandon Hughes (2-0) and Eric Perry (5-0-1). In his last outing, The native of Des Moines, Iowa went the distance for the first time and took home a decision win over Patrick Mailta (6-1) on March 25th in Fresno, California.

Calloway of Warrensville Heights, Ohio is 7-2 with seven knockouts. The capable 31 year-old has a first round stoppage over Kahlil Smoot (8-1) on his ledger. Calloway is coming off two consecutive stoppage wins, with the latest being a first-round win over Alex Davis on June 24th in Cleveland.

Mireles is promoted by Top Rank.

Mireles vs. Calloway will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 8 PM ET,




Massive Weekend for Split-T Management Fighters

NEW YORK (March 31, 2023)-This weekend no less than seven Split-T Management will be in action across The United States and The Bahamas.

Starting on Friday night at The Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium in Nassau, Bahamas two of the distinguished female fighters will be in action.

In a 10-round bout for the WBA International Bantamweight bout, former world champion Jamie Mitchell takes on former world title challenger Lindsay Garbatt, while 2021 United States Olympian Oshae Jones takes on four-time world title challenger Simone Da Silva in a super featherweight bout.

Mitchell of Las Vegas is 8-1-2 with five knockouts. Mitchell won the WBA Bantamweight Title with a majority decision over Shannon Coutenay (7-1) on October 9, 2021. After defending the title with a fourth round stoppage over Carly Skelly (40-1), Mitchell dropped the title to Nina Hughes on November 26, 2022 in Dubai.

Garbatt of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada is 9-9-2 with three knockouts. Garbatt has defeated Maureen Shea (13-1), Ayana Pelletier (6-1), Melissa Hernandez (12-1-2). Garbatt has two wins over former world champion Jelena Mrdjenovich.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is 2-0 and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Dahianna Santana on March 11th in Philadelphia.

Ohio began boxing at the age of 12, spawning a magnificent amateur career that saw her amass a record of 60-9 whilst competing all over the world.

Oshae received the key to her hometown, and was honored with a parade upon coming home with her Olympic Bronze Medal.

She dominated and won many prestigious tournaments such as the 2020 Stramdja, 2020 Boxam International, 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Elite Nationals, as well as the 2016 Youth Open and 2014 National PAL.

Two of Oshae’s most significant victories came when she received the Gold Medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games and finished first at the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

She is the first female welterweight to represent the United States in the Olympics.

Da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-22 with six knockouts.

Mitchell and Jones are under the guidance of Brian Cohen.

Saturday in Houston, undefeated super welterweight Andreas Katzourakis will take on Rodrigo Octivio Gonzalez in an eight-round bout.

Katzourakis of Los Angeles, via Athens, Greece is 8-0 with six knockouts. The 25 year-old already has a win over Edward Brown (7-1). Katzourakis is coming off a fifth round stoppage over the tough Cameron Krael on October 6, 2022 in Houston.

Gonzalez Gonzalez is 5-1-2 with two knockouts and is riding a two-fight winning streak.

Katzourakis is promoted by ForceTrain/NextFightUp

Also on the bill in Houston will be former National Golden Gloves champion Giovanni Marrquez taking on Bryan Springs in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Marquez of Houston 4-0 with three knockouts and is coming off a third round stoppage over Luis Valentin Portalatin on November 19, 2022 in Conroe, Texas.

Springs of San Antonio is 3-7-2 with one knockout. Marquez will be the third consecutive undefeated opponent for Springs and sixth overall.

Saturday at The Hard Rock in Tulsa, Oklahoma 2021 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson will take on Aldonso Olvera in a eight-round super lightweight bout.

Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio is 7-0 with five knockouts. Johnson already has wins over Xavier Madrid (3-0), Esteban Garcia (15-1) and his last outing when he stopped Mike Ohan (16-1) in five rounds on December 10, 2022 in New York.

Olvera of Tucson, Arizona is 12-7-3 with four knockouts. Olvera has wins over Genaro Mendez (10-2-1) and Amon Rashidi (7-0)

Also on the card in Tulsa, light heavyweight Dante Benjamin will take squares off with jasper McCargo in a six-round bout.

Benjamin, 20 years-old of Cleveland, has already defeated four undefeated foes in Herman Rendon (2-0), Kevin Johnson (2-0), Corey Thompson (4-0) and his bout when he took out Emmanuel Austin (6-0) on January 14th in Verona, New York.

McCargo of Richmond, California is 4-3-2 with two knockouts. McCargo has a win over Nathan Davis Sharp (3-0)

The Johnson and Benjamin Fights can be seen live on ESPN+ at 7:10 PM ET. Johnson and Benjamin is promoted by Top Rank.

Saturday at the FiservForum in Milwaukee, Javier Zamarron will look to stay perfect when he takes on debuting Roberto Armas in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Zamarron of Milwaukee is 2-0 with two first round stoppages.




Giovanni Marquez and Omar Rosario Remain Undefeated With wins in Texas and Puerto Rico

NEW YORK (November 21, 2022) -This past Saturday night, welterweight prospect Giovanni Marquez and junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario remained undefeated with wins in Texas and Puerto Rico.

Marquez and Rosario are managed by Split-T Management.

The 21 Year-old Marquez stopped Luis Valentin Portalatin in round three at The Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, Texas.

? Marquez dropped Portlatin three times, with the finisher coming from a vicious right hand that slumped Portalatin to his knees in the third round.

Watch Knockout Punch

With the win, Marquez of Houston, Texas is 4-0 with three knockouts.

Marquez 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

Photos by Hosanna Rull / iRull Photos / El Tigre Management.

Saturday in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, junior welterweight Omar Rosario stayed undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera.

Scores were 60-54 on all cards for the 24 year-old Caguas native, who is now 9-0. Rivera, also from Caguas, Puerto Rico is 4-1-1.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank.




AUDIO: Giovanni Marquez talks about his knockout win over William Davis






VIDEO: Giovanni Marquez talks about his knockout win over William Davis




Teofimo Lopez Makes Junior Welterweight Debut with Seventh Round Stoppage over Pedro Campa in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (AUGUST 15, 2022)–Former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion, Teofimo Lopez christened the 140-pound division with a seventh round stoppage over Pedro Campa at Resorts World Las Vegas.

That fight capped a perfect weekend for Split-T Management.

Lopez was dominant from the onset of the contest as he boxed and started to land some solid power punches as early as the second. With each ensuing round, Lopez begam to land more and more as he started to break down the Mexican warrior.

As the second half of the fight commenced, Lopez stepped on the gas and started to hurt Campa in round six. In round seven, Lopez dropped Campa with a hard right that was followed by a left. Lopez started to emphatically beat Campa until the bout was stopped at 2:14.

Lopez moves his impressive resume to 17-1 with 13 knockouts. Campa is 34-2-1.

Lopez said, “I was at 135 pounds for nine years. It was killing my body, since I was a teenage kid, man. We want Josh Taylor. We want these guys. We want {Regis} Prograis. We want {Jose} Zepeda. We want all the belts. We want to become two-time undisputed champion.”

“If Josh Taylor is too busy with his wedding and there’s nobody else around because the WBA belt is taken and the WBC is going to be fought with Zepeda and Prograis, then so fuc*ng be it,” Lopez said.

On the undercard, Split-T Management’s Omar Rosario remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Munoz in a super lightweight bout.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 8-0. Munoz is now 6-2.

Lopez and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

Lopez and Rosario Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Photo by Hosanna Rull /iRull Fotos

At The Bayou Event Center in Houston, Texas, three Split-T Fighters registered impressive stoppages.

Highly regarded welterweight Giovanni Marquez stopped William Davis in round two of their scheduled four-round bout.

Marquez was dominant as he dropped Davis three times in the second round and the bout was stopped at the 2:00 mark.

Marquez, who was the 2021 National Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Davis of Memphis is 5-14-1.

Photo by Hosanna Rull / iRull Fotos

Heavy-handed Luis Acosta stopped tough Abdel Sauceda in round four of their six-round lightweight contest.

It was a competitive fight for the first three-rounds. In round four, the power of Acosta was evident as he floored Sauceda three-times and then the fight was halted at 2:54.

Acosta of Houston is now 13-1 with 12 knockouts. Sauceda of Mexico is now 11-2.

Recent world title challenger Jessica Camara made her first knockout a memorable one as she took out four-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in the second round of their eight-round lightweight bout.

Camara landed a crunching left hook to the ribs that made da Silva scream in agony as she hit the deck, and the fight was waved off at 1:32 of round two.

Camara of Montreal, Canada is now 9-3 with one knockout. da Silva of Brazil is 17-22.

Camara is promoted by DiBella Entertainment




Former Undisputed Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez Back in Action against Pedro Campa on ESPN

NEW YORK (August 12, 2022)–Saturday night at Resorts World Las Vegas will see the return of former undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez move up to junior welterweight to start his quest of becoming a two-division world champion when he takes on Pedro Campa in a 10-round bout for the WBO International and NABF Junior Welterweight titles.

The fight, which will be televised by ESPN (10 PM ET) will serve as Lopez’ “Takeback” as he starts his road back to becoming world champion.

The fight heads a big weekend for Split-T Management as five fighters under the management banner will be in action between Las Vegas and Houston.

Lopez, who was the 2020 Fighter of the Year, will be back in the ring, looking to “Takeover” a second weight-class.

Lopez had a meteoric rise up the lightweight division as he scored many highlight-reel and spectacular knockouts over Vitor Jones (14-1), William Silva (25-1), Mason Menard (34-3) and Diego Magdaleno (31-2). Lopez won the IBF Lightweight title with a second round destruction over Richard Commey on December 14, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lopez followed that up by winning the undisputed title with a 12-round unanimous decision over pound-for-pound number-one Vasiliy Loamchenko on October 17, 2020.

Campa of Hermosillo, Mexico is 34-1-1 with 23 knockouts. Unbeaten in his last eight fights, which spans five years, the 30 year-old Campa has wins over Alejandro Milanes Gocobachi (1-0), Ulises Perez Torres (6-0), Ivan Ramirez (6-1), Dario Garibay (11-1), Jesus Nunez Rodriguez (14-1), Aaron Herrera (29-3-1), Juan Antonio Rodriguez (29-6-1), Domicio Rondon (15-3), Abimael Cruz Bautista (5-0) and his fight when he stopped undefeated Carlos Sanchez Valadez (22-0) in three rounds on March 19th in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Lopez weighed in at 138.8 lbs. Campa was 139.4

The bout will be televised live on (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

On the Undercard, beginning at 6:40 PM ET on ESPN+, undefeated Omar Rosario will take on Esteban Munoz in a six-round junior welterweight contest.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 7-0 with two knockouts. The 24 year-old Rosario already has wins over Uriel Villanueva (1-0), Wilfred Mariano (3-0), Marc Misiura (2-0), Raekwon Butler and his last outing when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Rosa (4-0) on June 11th in New York.

Munoz of San Bernardino, California is 6-1 with four-knockouts. Munoz is coming off a third round stoppage over Kenny Williams on April 15th in Ontario, California,

Rosario weighed 140.8 lbs. Munoz weighed 140.6 lbs.

Lopez and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank

?Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images

Saturday night at The Bayou Center in Houston, Texas, three more distinguished fighters will be in action of a card that will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

Undefeated welterweight Giovanni Marquez will take on William Marcell Davis in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.

Marquez, 21 years-old of Houston is 2-0 with one knockout. Vazquez turned professional on March 11th with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Nelson Morales. in his last bout, Marquez took out 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in two rounds on June 17th in Houston.

Marquez 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

Davis of Memphis is 5-13-1 with five knockouts. Davis has stopped two undefeated fighters, Terence Reed (2-0) and Michael Hughes (2-0).

Recent world title challenger Jessica Camara makes the trek from Montreal to take on four-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Camara has a record of 8-3 and is coming off a split decision loss to Kali Reis in a bout for Reis’ WBA/WBO Junior Welterweight world titles on November 19, 2021 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Camara also has wins over Erika Hernandez (5-1-1), Dalia Velazquez (5-1-1) and former world champion Heather Hardy (22-1).

da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-21 with six knockouts.

The 17 year capable veteran has wins over Paola Herrera (13-1-2), Paulina Cardona (9-2-3), Ikram Kerwat (9-1)

Both Camara and da Silva weighed 136 lbs.

Camara is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Luis Acosta will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Abdel Sauceda in a lightweight bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

Acosta, 25 years-old of Houston is 12-1 with 11 knockouts.

Acosta, 25 years-old, won his first 12 bouts in impressive fashion. He is coming off a loss to Edwin De Los Santos on March 11th.

Sauceda of Monterrey, Mexico is 11-1 with seven knockouts. The 24 year-old has won four in a row and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Jullian Guillen on December 20, 2019 in Monterrey, Mexico




Split-T Management Fighters Go Three-For-Three in Houston

NEW YORK (JUNE 21, 2022)-Split-T Management fighters shined in Houston by picking up three wins in as many fights on Friday night at the Bayou Event Center.

Melissa Odessa Parker remained undefeated and made the first defense of her IBO Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mikenna Tansley.

Parker of nearby Spring, Texas, won by scores 97-93 and 96-94 twice, is now 6-0. Tansley of Alberta, Canada is 5-1.

Giovanni Marquez went to 2-0 as he scored his first stoppage by taking out 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in round two of their four-round welterweight fight.

Marquez dropped Vazquez in round one, and finished him off at 2:52 of round two.

“That feels good,” Giovanni said to Jose De Jesus Ortiz of Our Esquina of the TKO. “There were already critics saying, ‘Does he have power?’ So I showed improvement from my first fight. Now I got my second fight, got the stoppage.

“I’m steadily improving. I’m a student of the game and I’m looking to get better and better each fight.”

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.

Andreas Katzourakis returned to the ring and remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Isiah Jones in a middleweight bout.

Katzourakis Los Angeles via Athens, Greece dominated Jones throughout the contest, and won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to raise his unblemished mark to 7-0. Jones of Detroit is 9-6.




Split-T Management Triumvirate in Action Tonight in Houston

NEW YORK (JUNE 18, 2022)–Three Split-T Management Fighters will be on display tonight in Houston

Undefeated IBO world Bantamweight champion bantamweight Melissa Odessa Parker defending against Mikenna Tansley at the Bayou Event Center.

Parker of Spring, Texas has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts. The 35 year-old southpaw is a two year-professional who has wins over two undefeated fighters. In her last outing, Parker won the IBO Bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Calista Silgado on June 19, 2021 in Miami, Florida.

Tansley of Alberta, Canada is 5-0 with one knockouts and is coming off an eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Danielle Bennett on September 25th in Davenport, Iowa.

On the same card, Giovanni Marquez will look to make it 2-0, when the former National Golden Gloves champion when he makes his hometown debut when he takes on 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in a four-round welterweight bout.

Marquez turned professional on March 11th with a four-round unanimous decision over undefeated Nelson Morales in a bout that was televised on ShoBox: The New Generation from Deadwood, South Dakota.

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.

Vazquez of Managua, Nicaragua, has a win over Sergio Olivas (12-2) and has fought 17 undefeated opponents including former world champion Jamel Herring as well as former world champion Rene Alvarado.

Also on the card will be the return of undefeated middleweight Andreas Katzourakis. Katzourakis will take on Isiah Jones in a six-round bout.

Katzourakis of Greece is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 25 year-old has been off since December 12, 2020 when he took out Brandon Baue in the third round in Miami, Florida. Katzourakis also has a second round stoppage over Edward Brown (7-1).

Jones of Detroit is 9-5 with three knockouts. Jones won his first eight-bouts which was highlighted by a win over undefeated Antonio Wade. Jones also defeated undefeated Donte Stubbs (6-0). Jones has faced seven undefeated fighters and is coming off a defeat to undefeated to Eugene Hill on December 4th in Houston.

The bouts can be seen live on BXNGTV.com beginning at 7 PM ET / 6 PM PT




Split-T Management Fighters Earn Four Wins on Friday Night

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




Holmes Decisions Brown

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.”




Split-T Management Quintet in Action

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




ARDREAL HOLMES VS. VERNON BROWN OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES AND PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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.




VIDEO: SHOWTIME SPORTS® OFFERS FIRST LOOK AT VIDEO FEATURE INTRODUCING THE BOXING WORLD TO HIGHLY REGARDED PROSPECT GIOVANNI MARQUEZ AHEAD OF PRO DEBUT TOMORROW NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®




AUDIO: Giovanni Marquez Talks about his pro debut






VIDEO: Giovanni Marquez Talks about his pro debut




UPDATED SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® FIGHT CARD: UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT ARDREAL HOLMES TO FACE VERNON BROWN IN FRIDAY, MARCH 11 MAIN EVENT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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.




UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS ARDREAL HOLMES AND MEKHRUBON SANGINOV CLASH IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® FRIDAY, MARCH 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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.




AUDIO: Giovanni and Raul Marquez talk Giovanni’s Pro Career PLUS Canelo -Plant Thoughts






VIDEO: Giovanni and Raul Marquez talk Giovanni’s Pro Career PLUS Canelo -Plant Thoughts




Split-T Management Signs National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Marquez

New York (November 2, 2021)–Split-T Management has signed 2021 National Golden Gloves champion Giovanni Marquez to a management deal.

Marquez, 20 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.

“I started following Giovanni years ago and I always knew with his work ethic he would continue to improve, but I never imagined that he would develop so much, so quickly, as to be possibly the best amateur fighter in the USA in 2021. He was always relentless, well conditioned, and smart, and then he added power and greater balance! There are no ceilings for this young man, he can do anything he sets his mind to do,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.

“I feel great about signing with Split-T Management. David McWater and Split-T Management have been dominating the game. David has been a friend of my father’s for a long time, and has been giving me great advice. After that advice, I won the city, state and National Golden Glove tournaments. I am happy to be with a great manager and have my dad as my trainer. The sky’s the limit. Now I just have to stay focused and put in the work. “I feel like signing with David makes me have an all-star team with David and My dad. Having him as my trainer is an honor to continue the Marquez legacy. ” said Marquez.

“We are excited. We have a good relationship. He is a good talent scout, and he has always supported Giovanni and myself. David is one of the best managers out there, and I am thankful that he found interest in us as well. We feel that he will be making the right moves for Giovanni’s career. David was really impressed with Giovani when he was the National Golden Gloves, and he won the outstanding fighter of the tournament,” said Raul Marquez, who trains his son Giovanni.

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.

“I feel my style is a better fit for professional boxing. I am a boxer-puncher, and I can adapt to anything in the ring. I can take my time to show my skills and show every aspect of my game. I believe that I will make my debut late this year or early next year. I want to stay active and develop my skills and be entertaining in each and every fight,” said Giovanni

“I have told Giovanni, me being his dad, gets a lot of attention. He has been getting attention. I tell him that he has to work hard and he can’t cut any corners. He works hard, and he is very disciplined. He is always working out and staying in shape. It is a long road and it’s a tough sport. We are going to try our best, I have learned so much from my career and my broadcasting. Add that to Dave’s connection, I feel that he will go far. We are ready for this step,” said Raul Marquez