By Norm frauenheim-

There are a couple of finishers, both forged by a relentless dynamic hard to counter, almost impossible to elude.

Then, there are a couple of craftsmen, both forged in the patient execution of fundamental skill that breaks down, busts up challengers, leaving them confused instead of confident.

They’re fun to watch. They’re also Generation Next, four fighters, 25 and younger, who figure to climb to the top of the boxing marquee, if not the pound-for-pound debate, within the next couple of years.

The finishers: 25-year-old super-middleweight David Benavidez and 24-year-old welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

The craftsmen: 24-year-old junior-lightweight Shakur Stevenson and 23-year-old lightweight Devin Haney.

The Future Four have all made powerful statements this spring on who they are and how they might impact the business.

Last Saturday, Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) unified the lightweight title with a jab, a traditional weapon and timely as ever. The defining punch summed up poise and patience that belie his years. George Kambosos Jr. never had a chance in losing a unanimous decision in Melbourne, Australia, his home country, mate.

On May 14, Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs/1 NC) continued to overwhelm anybody in his way. He scored his 19^th stoppage in his last 20 fights. He blew away a somebody, somebody named Custio Clayton, in a second-round knockout. There are a lot of somebodies on Ennis’ resume, which also includes a stoppage of Sergey Lipinets, a former world champion who had never been stopped. Still, Ennis’ skill and one-punch power are impossible to ignore, even if your name is Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr. According to reports, a deal for a long-awaited Crawford-Spence fight is close. If the fight in fact happens, it’s fair to say that Ennis will be at least mentioned as one who deserves a shot at the winner. That’s how fast he’s emerging.

A week later on May 21, Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) looked a like a force of nature in overwhelming David Lemieux in a three-round beat-down in front of roaring crowd in Glendale AZ, about seven miles from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up. The victory was no surprise. Lemieux, brave and faded, was overmatched before opening bell. The stunner, however, was in the way Benavidez won. It was almost scary. It was violent. He was all momentum, a tsunami that looks as if it is just beginning.

In April, there was Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs), who throughout 12 rounds, left Oscar Valdez Jr. with no chance. For the last decade, Valdez was the one fighter who always found a way. Not this time. Like Benavidez, Stevenson figured to win. But nobody figured he would suffocate a fighter known for his resilience.

“Valdez is a hard out,’’ promoter Bob Arum said in a perfect summation.

Haney, Ennis, Benavidez, and Stevenson are following lightweight Tank Davis and bantamweight Japanese bantamweight Naoya Inoue into the elite. Both are older. Both, too, are entering their primes. Davis is 27, Inoue 29

Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) continues to flash his dramatic edge, finishing power, with a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero on May 28 in Brooklyn. It was a big crowd. A wild one, too, in a further testament to Davis’ growing box-office power.

Ryan Garcia, who spends more time on social media than he does in the ring, has been calling out Davis. Somebody needs to text Garcia (22-0, 18 KOs) an old line: Be careful what you wish for.

Then, there’s Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs). He might be the only fighter who creates a buzz at sunrise. Sunrise, at least, was when anybody in the United States saw him blow away accomplished Nonito Donaire in a second-round stoppage in Japan. It was more than just a rematch for the bantamweight title. It was re-affirmation of Inoue’s pound credentials. There’s a good argument that he should be No. 1, ahead of Crawford.

Inoue was mentioned as possible opponent for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in mid 2015 when Gonzalez, a longtime flyweight champion, had moved up to junior-bantamweight. He also moved up to be the lightest pound-for-pound No. 1 ever. But it was a move up the scale, to junior-bantam, that got him knocked off the pound-for-pound perch. He lost successive fights to Thai Wisaksil Wangek in 2017.

Inoue, a champion at junior-flyweight, skipped a weight class (fly) and went straight to junior bantam and then bantam. He’s still unbeaten.

Davis and Inoue are the first to re-energize the pound-for-pound debate in a shakeup set in motion by Dmitry Bivol’s upset of Canelo Alvarez May 7.

The debate will continue. Maybe, Teofimo Lopez resurrects himself and his career in his first fight since his messy loss to Kambosos in November. Lopez has time on his side. He’s 24. He moves up, from lightweight to junior-welterweight, in a reported deal for an August 13 with Mexican Pedro Campa.

Maybe, there will be a Future Five.

For now, however, the future rests in the eight dangerous hands of four – Benavidez, Ennis, Haney and Stevenson.

Jermell Charlo became the undisputed super welterweight champion with an 10th round stoppage in an action packed rematch with Brian Castano at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The fight was contested at a fast pace. It picked up from their July 17, 2021 draw. Charlo was very sharp by landing some good shots with both hands. Castano landed some good right hands of his own, but Charlo who did not lay on the ropes like he did in first encounter, was able to land some solid counter shots. The fight was fought on even terms over the opening half of the fight.

Charlo started the second half of the fight by beating Castano to the punch and started to forge ahead in the fight. In round ten, Charlo dropped Castano with a quick left hook to the body. Castano was hurt, and Charlo saw that. He jumped on Castano and landed a big left hook to the side that sent Castano down for a second time. Castano was clearly in no-position to continue and the fight was stopped at 2:33.

Charlo, 152.75 lbs of Houston, TX is now 35-1-1 with 19 knockouts. Castano, 153.75 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 17-1-2.

“This is legacy,” Charlo said in the ring afterward. “This is something that is legendary. I’m a legend. I knew Castaño was going to give it his all. I knew I had trained very, very hard but you all can see that I came in at 152 pounds because I was really in shape, and I wanted to make sure that this was my fight.”

“We showed that we are warriors,” Castaño said. “We both were fighting back-and-forth. He’s a champion. He hit me. He got me. But I’m okay.”

“I don’t care about being late,” Charlo said. “I don’t care about who’s early. I knew once I got to this arena, and I’m fighting outside in this beautiful place, I had to get it on.”

“I listened to my corner this time,” he said. “I got in my bag around the seventh round. I started sitting down a little bit more instead of boxing so much and moving around. I saw that he was wearing down a little bit and I was breaking him down. I just saw my punches being more effective. I get stronger in the later rounds if they didn’t know.”

Jaron Ennis Knocks Out Clayton in 2

Jaron Ennis took a giant step closer to a world title shot by stopping previously undefeated Custio Clayton in round two of their 12-round welterweight bout.

Ennis dominated with the jab in the opening round, and then in round two, Ennis landed a huge right to the top of the head that sent Clayton to the canvas. Clayton got up, but staggered all over the ring and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Ennis, 146.25 lbs of Philadelphia is now 29-0 with 27 knockouts. Clayton, 146.5 lbs of Darmouth, NS, CAN is 19-1-1.

“Anybody can get it right now,” Ennis said. “But I’m the IBF No. 1 contender and I think ‘Mr. Big Fish’ is here himself, so it’s time to go fishing,” he said referencing Spence’s nickname.

“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do,” Spence told Jim Gray of SHOWTIME. “He’s supposed to call me and everybody out and say I want to fight them. If he wasn’t hungry like that, like the guy he just fought. I don’t feel like he was hungry. I don’t feel like he wanted to fight.

“Ennis can fight,” Spence went on. “I’m very high on him. He’s got the right attitude. He’s got the right team behind him with him and his dad. He’s going to go a long way. But I heard him say he wants to reel me in. You might catch something you don’t want so don’t try too hard trying to reel me in.”

“He had a high guard, so I was trying to come around with the right hook,” Ennis said. “He leaned down and I just threw an overhand. I thought he was going to get up. He’s a durable, tough guy. Nobody has ever stopped him. I thought he was going to get up, but I saw he fell again, so I was like, ‘this is over.’”

Kevin Gonzalez Decisions Emanuel Rivera

Kevin Gonzalez remained undefeated by scoring a 10-round unanimous decision over Emanuel Rivera in a super bantamweight fight.

In round two, Gonzalez began to bleed from the nose.

In round seven, Gonzalez began to bleed around the right eye.

Gonzalez landed 159 of 585 punches; Rivera was 139 of 606.

Gonzalez, 121 lbs of Culican, MEX won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 25-0-1. Rivera, 121.75 lbs of Toa Baja, PR is 19-3.

“Rivera was a quality opponent,” González said. “He and I had a classic Mexican versus Puerto Rican war and I hope that the fans enjoyed it. Bring on all the champions. I’m going to fight as soon as my promoter tells me to, in order to become the world champion I want to be.”

SANTA MONICA – May 11, 2022 – Unified WBC, WBA, and IBF 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo and unbeaten welterweight rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis previewed their respective upcoming showdowns at a media workout in Los Angeles Wednesday, before they enter the ring this Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Charlo made clear his goal is to prevent the judges from deciding his fate when he faces WBO 154-pound world champion Brian Castaño in a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights, which ended in a hotly contested split draw They again will seek to become the first undisputed super welterweight male champion of the four-belt era.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature Philadelphia’s Ennis in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator against unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton that serves as the co-main event. Ennis said he was looking forward to recording a knockout in front of a new Southern California fanbase, and he also predicted a win for Charlo in the rematch. 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Lions Only Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I don’t want this fight to go the distance. I don’t get paid for overtime.

“I’m excited and I’m ready to go. I’m ready to rock. I’m putting it all on the line and I’m ready to destroy. I’m going to give the fans an exciting and entertaining show and just have fun out there.

“Castaño is going to have to do something different this fight. If not, he knows he’s getting slept. Whatever he does or whatever move he makes, I’m going to be on him. My goal is to knock him out.

“I approach this fight like I approach any fight. I come in there like I’m 0-0. Let’s go in there and see who’s better. Let’s see who the real dog is.

“I don’t take much from the last rematch I had against Tony Harrison. That was a totally different opponent. I’m just preparing for Castaño. There’s no correlation with my last rematch. I’m just focused on who I’m facing.

“I’m just focused on my career and my craft. Being on the undisputed list means more to me than being on pound-for-pound lists. I want to be on the top tier and for people to see that I’m undisputed and say that he’s an animal. This is my moment.

“I’ve made some changes, but it’s still going to be the same Jermell Charlo. I’m ready to take advantage of what’s in front of me.

“I don’t know if this fight will be like the first one. It could be a quicker night. It should be. If not, it’s going to be entertaining for 12 rounds.

“I don’t worry about pound-for-pound lists and whether I’m on them. If I win these belts, they might have to. If I go in there and knock him out, or handle my business for 12 rounds, that’s it. They won’t be able to deny me.

“I haven’t fought at this venue since much earlier in my career. It’s a little bit chilly right now in Southern California, but I know that once I get warmed up, I’ll be able to adapt no matter what it’s like Saturday.”

JARON ENNIS

“It doesn’t matter to me who I’m facing. I want everybody and anybody. They can line ‘em up, and I’ll knock ‘em down. Doesn’t matter who it is.

“Everyone already knows how this fight is going to go. I’m going to put on a show. I’m going to get in the ring and be dominant. I’m getting that knockout at the end of the night and making a statement.

“It feels great to be performing here in Southern California. I can’t wait for Saturday to shine in front of my new fans. It’s a new fanbase to see me get another knockout.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I don’t usually watch film on who I’m fighting, unless I’ve just seen it by chance. I let my team look at those kind of things. I’m not too worried about what he’s going to bring.

“I’m going to do what I always do. I can figure these opponents out in like 30 seconds. I see how they’re coming and go from there.

“I feel like I’m going to get my opportunity sooner than later. I think end of the year or next year is possible. I’m either going to fight Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford, or fight for a vacant belt. 

“I don’t believe that any fighter is scared of another fighter. I know the top guys are just making business decisions. It’s what’s best for their careers. If I can’t get the top welterweights while they’re here, I’ll see them at 154 pounds.

“I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anyone but myself. I’m not worried about any outside noise. As long as I’m doing my thing and winning, putting myself in line for the world title, then that’s all that matters.

“Charlo and Castaño should both be confident heading into this fight. They went to war the first time, but I think Charlo will win this time. I think he figured Castaño out. Charlo was picking it up at the end of the first fight and I think he’s going to start earlier this time and go for the knockout.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO II 

Charlo vs. Castaño II will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charloand WBO World Champion Brian Castañoin a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights as they again seek to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CharloCastano2, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

PHILADELPHIA – May 9, 2022 – Undefeated rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis reiterated his intention to “take over” the star-studded 147-pound division ahead of his IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator showdown against fellow unbeaten Custio Clayton in the co-main event of action this Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I’m looking to make a big statement come May 14,” said Ennis. “I’m coming to win in dominating fashion and get the knockout. I’m ready to take over this division.”

Trained in his native Philadelphia by his father “Bozy” Ennis, the 24-year-old Ennis has continued to push his already renowned training habits ahead of his upcoming fight and has added elite sparring against a collection of noteworthy fighters including unbeaten U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell and rising contender Paul Kroll.

“I’m feeling great,” said Ennis. “Camp has been going very well and I can’t wait to shine on May 14. I’m ready to rock and roll. We’ve been running a lot more sprints this camp and focusing a little more on conditioning each day, about a half an hour more every session. A lot of it are the normal things we do, like the underwater treadmill and chopping wood, we’re just working ten times harder.”

After a 2021 campaign that saw him knock out former champion Sergey Lipinets in a headlining bout on SHOWTIME in April, before stopping the normally durable Thomas Dulorme in one round in October, Ennis believes that he can shine even brighter and show an even greater range of abilities as the strength of his opposition increases.

“I feel like I’m getting better at taking my time and being more relaxed in the ring,” said Ennis. “I believe that the better the competition I face, the better I’m going to be. We’ve been working on jabbing more and being even more alert and sharper.”

In Clayton, Ennis will be up against an undefeated fighter with considerable pedigree, having competed for his native Canada at the 2012 Olympic games. While Ennis chooses not to focus on studying his opponent, he knows that he’ll have to be ready for a multitude of scenarios to achieve his desired result on fight night.

“I don’t watch tape on people that I fight,” said Ennis. “I let my team focus on that. We’re prepared all the way around. I don’t prepare just one way, because you don’t know how a fighter is going to fight you. So we just prepare for everything.

“This fight is everything to me. This is a big stage and it’s time for me to shine. From here on out, it’s only getting bigger and better. After I do my thing on May 14, we’re just going to keep going up and up. I’m looking to show everyone everything that I’m capable of. My speed, power, defense, ring IQ and footwork. At the end of the night, I’m coming for the knockout. That’s what the fans are coming to see. I’m going to show them what I can do and close the show with a knockout.”

As he continues his ascent up the welterweight rankings, Ennis has his sights set squarely on the division’s two stalwarts, unified WBC, WBA and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBO champion Terence Crawford. Even if a potential Spence-Crawford undisputed title fight comes to fruition first and eventually leads to Ennis fighting for vacant 147-pound titles, he believes those big fights will eventually become a reality.

“It doesn’t matter to me if Spence and Crawford decide to stay in the division and face me,” said Ennis. “I’d love to take the belts away from the champion, but if I have to fight for a vacant belt, I’ll see Spence and Crawford at 154 pounds. They can’t go too far.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Lions Only Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through AXS.com.

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO II
Charlo vs. Castaño II will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño in a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights as they again seek to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CharloCastano2, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. – March 30, 2022 – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño will meet in a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights as again seek to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Charlo vs. Castaño II was previously announced to take place on March 19, but was rescheduled after Castaño suffered an arm injury in training.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Lions Only Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, March 31 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased through AXS.com. Ennis vs. Clayton is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

“Saturday, May 14 will feature a scintillating card live on SHOWTIME as fans will be able to enjoy three high-stakes fights, topped by the eagerly anticipated undisputed championship rematch between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Charlo and Castaño have proven once again that they are true warriors by going directly into this rematch that fans across the world demanded after the conclusion of their dramatic and unforgettable first fight. Now, the rabid sports fans in Southern California and watching live on SHOWTIME will get a front row seat to what shapes up to be an exceptional sequel at Dignity Health Sports Park, a venue renowned for hosting all-action contests.”

In an instant classic, Charlo and Castaño went toe-to-toe for 12 grueling rounds on July 17, 2021 on SHOWTIME, with the back-and-forth tilt ending in a split-decision draw. Each fighter believed they had done enough to have their hand raised in the first fight and will look to leave no doubt in the rematch.

Houston’s Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) became a unified champion in September 2020, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career, as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an 11th-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. The 31-year-old is trained by Derrick James in Dallas and won his first world title in his debut fight with James by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016. He followed up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, and winning a decision over former world champion Austin Trout. Charlo returns to the same stadium where he won his first 12-round fight in a victory over Demetrius Hopkins in 2013.

“I’m the unified champ and I’ve got business to finish,” said Charlo. “My total goal as a kid was to win all of the belts as a professional and I plan to make history yet again on May 14, in front of my west coast fans and all across the world. If you know me, you know how I don’t take opportunities lightly – Lions Only, the time is now! Make sure you tune-in May 14.”

The 32-year-old Castaño (17-0-2, 12 KOs) put on a spectacular performance to capture the WBO title in February 2021, as he dominated Patrick Teixeira to wrest the belt away via unanimous decision. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a win for Castaño on May 14 would be a monumental achievement in the storied history of Argentine boxing. Prior to winning his title, Castaño fought to a draw against two-division world champion Erislandy Lara in a 2019 action fight. He also owns triumphs over Michel Soro, Cedric Vitu and Wale Omotoso. A highly experienced amateur, Castaño notched victories over unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and top middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko before he turned pro.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to face Charlo again for all four titles,” said Castaño. “This is champion vs. champion, just like it should be. The first fight was a great war. The rematch will be no different, but this time I won’t leave it in the judges’ hands. This is my era, and I will prove it.”

Ennis (28-0, 26 KOs) is the latest in the pantheon of outstanding Philadelphia fighters, combining sublime boxing skills with natural power in both hands. After numerous appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation, the 24-year-old Ennis graduated to headlining his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast in April 2021, as he became the first fighter to stop former world champion Sergey Lipinets. He followed up that performance with an impressive first-round stoppage of veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in October. The knockout victory gave Ennis 18 KOs in his last 19 fights, with the only blemish being a no-decision in the first round against Chris van Heerden in December 2020.

“I can’t wait for this fight,” said Ennis. “This one means a lot to me. This is another step towards becoming a world champion. My time is now. Camp is going great, and I can’t wait to shine and put on a spectacular performance come May 14. It’s time for me to continue making big statements.”

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton (19-0-1, 12 KOs) fights out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada and will compete in the U.S. for the third straight time on May 14. The 34-year-old impressed in his U.S. debut in 2020, stepping in as a late replacement to fight former world champion Sergey Lipinets to a draw on SHOWTIME. Clayton most recently earned a 10-round unanimous decision over Cameron Krael in December 2021. He also owns 2019 victories over former champion DeMarcus Corley and Johan Perez, in addition to a 12-round decision win over then unbeaten Stephen Danyo in 2018.

“I love challenges and I know that I have a real one on May 14 against Jaron Ennis,” said Clayton. “That’s why I’m in this sport, to fight the best. When I prove myself against Ennis, nobody is going to be able to deny me a shot at the belts.”

The 24-year-old González (24-0-1, 13 KOs) will step in for his U.S. debut when he challenges Rivera on May 14 in Carson. A native of Sinaloa, Mexico, González has fought professionally since 2016, and owns a unanimous decision over former title challenger Ivan Morales in March 2021. González won a regional 122-pound title by stopping Alexander Mejia in July 2021, finishing the fight in round seven. Most recently, Gonzalez scored a first-round TKO over Antonio Guzman in December 2021.

“I am very happy to be fighting on a card of this magnitude,” said González. “To have my debut in the U.S. be on this stage, it is an opportunity that I have to take advantage of. No matter who my opponent is, I will always be ready and at my best. I am going to show everyone that I’m ready for the champions.”

Representing his native Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rivera (19-2, 12 KOs) looks to make it three-straight victories on May 14. The 32-year-old put together a 12-fight winning streak between 2011 and 2017 before dropping a decision to then unbeaten Nate Green. Rivera returned to action after that fight in July 2021, winning a unanimous decision over Jonathan Lecona Ramos in his U.S. debut. Most recently, he stopped Wallington Orobio in November 2021.

“I was training at the gym when my manager told me I was going to be in this card,” said Rivera. “We never say no to any opponent that wants to fight me. I hope González is at 100% too, because I want us to put on a show for the fans and I want to continue on my way to fight for a world title. This is an opportunity I can´t let pass me by.”?

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 15, 2021) – Welterweight contender, Thomas Dulorme (25-6-1, 16 KOs), has officially submitted a letter to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, disputing the result of his bout against Jaron Ennis (28-0, 26 KOs), in which he claims he was hit with an illegal rabbit punch to the back of the head. The fight took place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Dulorme respectfully requests that the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturn the knockout loss to a no decision due to the referee’s outcome-determinative error.

Prior the bout, the assigned in-ring referee, Mike Ortiz, instructed the fighters that a punch to the back of an opponent’s head would constitute an illegal blow subject to penalty, as codified under:
?
NAC?467.675?Acts constituting fouls in boxing.
The following acts constitute fouls in boxing:
12.?Using a rabbit punch or otherwise striking an opponent on the back of the head, the base of the skull or the back of the neck.
Dulorme and Ennis affirmed that they understood the rule. However, at the one-minute mark of the first round, Ennis threw a right hook that landed squarely to the back of Dulorme’s head. Despite his spirited efforts, the illegal blow rendered Dulorme dazed, unbalanced, and physically incapable of adequately defending himself against his opponent. Consequently, Dulorme was knocked down a second time 49 seconds later and could not rise to his feet before being counted out by Mr. Ortiz.

“I feel I wasn’t given the allocated time to recover by the referee, after getting hit from what was clearly an illegal rabbit punch to the back on my head, forcing me to fight at a disadvantage,” said Dulorme. “Jaron Ennis is a great fighter and I’m not taking anything away from his talent, I’m just disputing that I should have been given the allotted time to regain my composure. I’m hoping that Nevada State Athletic Commission will honor my appeal based on their rules.”

Radzhab Butaev captured the WBA Lightweight title with a 7th round stoppage over Jamal James at The Michelob Ultra Arena inside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In round five, Butaev was deducted a point for hitting James from behind.

In round seven, Butaev landed a series of punches but it did not seem James was in serious trouble, but referee Celestino Ruiz stopped the fight at 2:12.

Ennis Destroys Dulorme in 1

Jaron Ennis remained the hottest contender in the sport as he destroyed former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme inside of a round of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Ennis dropped Dulorme with a hard chopping right hand. Dulorme got up to land a couple punches, but he then he ate a big straight left that sent him to the canvas for a 2nd time. Dulorme tried to get up, but was unable to beat referee Michael Ortega’s count at 1:49.

Ennis, 146.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 28-0 with 26 knockouts. Dulorme, 146 lbs of Puerto Rico is 25-6-1.

Rivera Decisions Romero

Michel Rivera remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Matias Romero in a lightweight fight.

Rivera outlanded Romero 202 to 106.

Rivera, 138 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 22-0. Romero, 135.4 lbs or Cordoba, ARG is now 24-2.

LAS VEGAS (October 28, 2021) – WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James and unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev went face-to-face at a final press conference Thursday before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Thursday’s press conference also featured undefeated rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and veteran contender Thomas Dulorme, who meet in the co-main event, plus exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera and Argentina’s Matías Romero, who square off to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Ennis vs. Dulorme is promoted in association with D&D Boxing. Rivera vs. Romero is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JAMAL JAMES

“We’re at the top level here. Everyone on this stage is a top-level fighter. We’re all going to bring our very best Saturday night.

“At this level, everyone hits hard. We’re not fighting cupcakes. Every opponent you get in there with, can hurt you. I’ve been in there with guys who hit extremely hard, and I beat them. It’s nothing new to me.

“We’re here in Las Vegas headlining on SHOWTIME and it’s time for me to let people know that I’ve been at this top level. I want to get those opportunities against the top fighters. The welterweight division is stacked. We have a bunch of great talent and it’s time for some new guys to get their names up there.

“I’m not overlooking Butaev. I have to get past this fight first. But I want to run that back against Yordenis Ugas. He’s a great fighter. I didn’t have a full camp when I fought against him. I don’t like to make excuses – because he was the better man that night. But I think if we both have full camps, it could definitely be a different story.

“I’m not ducking anybody. I want to win Ugas’ title and make there one WBA champion. I definitely would be ready to take on Ennis or whoever it is after that.

“I’m just happy to have this opportunity to get back in the ring. I’m going to listen to my corner and follow through with their instructions. I trust them with my life. If they tell me to be offensive or if they tell me to box, I trust them.

“Representing my city of Minneapolis gives me extreme motivation. When you look at the history of boxing, it’s a sport that brings people together during hard times. It gives people the chance to take their minds off serious trouble they’re dealing with. My city has shown me a lot of love and that gives me extra motivation.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“I’ve had a lot of experience in the amateurs and pros. I believe in myself and I believe in my experience. We had a great camp and everything went as planned. On Saturday, I’m here to prove that I’m the next world champion in this division.

“I believe that everything I’ve been through will be the difference in this fight. Fighters have different advantages against different opponents, but the most important advantage is the will for victory. I believe that my will is at the highest level.

“I had a long amateur career, but now that I’m working with Joel Diaz as my trainer, we’re working more on the professional style. I’m working on sitting down on my punches and loading up a little bit more.

“We’re going to bring the action to the ring. That’s what the fans love. I’m bringing that Mexican style. Fans love brawls and that’s what we’re working on. I’m ready to bring the war to the ring.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the ring, but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. I don’t know exactly what he’s going to do, but I’ll be prepared for it.”

JARON ENNIS

“Dulorme said he has experience, but I’ve been boxing all of my life, since before I could walk. I’ve sparred pros since I was 12. This is nothing new to me and he’s going to see that on Saturday night.

“I’m going to continue to do what I’ve been doing, and that’s putting on dominating performances. Everyone knows I’m in and out like a robbery.

“On Saturday night, you can expect fireworks. I’m going to look good and come out victorious in knockout fashion. We’re not looking for the knockout, but we’re going to let it come naturally. And it’s definitely going to come.

“I feel great at welterweight. I can make 147 as long as I want. I’m on weight right now. I’ll be ready to rock and roll Saturday night. Once I get all these belts, then I’ll start thinking about 154 pounds.

“I feel like I’m the most talented welterweight in the division. I’m great at everything. I can fight from either side and I can box or fight on the inside. A lot of guys don’t want to prepare for someone who can do all that I can do. After I make this statement on Saturday night, I’m ready to keep moving up the ladder.

“I’m from Philly, so everyone knows I have that dog in me. It’s been in me. I’m ready to go and move on to bigger and better things.

“I watched some of Dulorme’s fight against Eimantas Stanionis, but I’m not Stanionis. I’m a whole different fighter. Talent wise, skill wise, power wise. I’m on a whole different level. Watching me is one thing, but when you’re in there with me, it’s a whole different thing.

“I’m not worried about what Dulorme did against other fighters. I’m going to do me, and put on a beautiful performance for everyone watching. I’m coming home victorious with that knockout.”

THOMAS DULORME

“I’m very thankful for my team for getting me on this big card. I’m ready for this fight on Saturday night and I’m going to put on a great performance and surprise everyone.

“You don’t always need strength in boxing to overcome obstacles. You need experience and technique. I believe I have those attributes and that it’s going to help me come out on top. I’ve sparred all the best and I’m going to use it in my fight

“On Saturday it’s going to be different because I’m putting in great work, day after day to be ready. We’ve been training to climb back up to the elite. After Saturday, we’ll be back on top of the world again.

“Ennis is a good fighter. But his best win was against Sergey Lipinets, who was a 140-pounder. I don’t think he has the experience yet to overcome a fighter like myself.”

MICHEL RIVERA

“I’ve been training hard for this moment. I know I have to stay in control during this fight. I’m staying focused. I’ve been working hard to show that I’m the future of boxing.

“I know Romero has good experience, but he’s standing in my way. I want to win this fight and get to big fights. I’m going to be the king of 135 pounds. None of the other contenders are going to want to fight me.

“This is a guy [Romero] with experience. I have heavy hands, everyone knows, but I have conditioning too. I’m ready for 15 rounds. I’m just on another level than him. Everyone will know this on Saturday night.”

MATIAS ROMERO

“I learned against Isaac Cruz how to fight here on this stage and what it’s like to fight here in the U.S. This time I’m way better prepared. I got the experience from 12 rounds and I learned a lot. I’m going to be even better in this fight.

“We know each other well and I believe I have everything I need to walk out with the victory. I’m going to listen to my coach and make sure I stay focused from the first round until the end.

“I had a very short camp for my last fight. I prepared as well as I could. I had a much longer and better camp this time. It’s going to be a different performance, and everyone is going to see what I can do.”

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ABOUT JAMES VS. BUTAEV
James vs. Butaev will see WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James defend his title against unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev in a 12-round duel that headlines a night of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 10-round showdown against veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera faces Argentina’s Matías Romero in a 10-round attraction.

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

NEW YORK – October 20, 2021 – Exciting unbeaten welterweight sensation Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to make it 26 knockouts in 28 fights when he faces veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the 10-round co-main event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) Saturday, October 30 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs), who has steadily risen in the ranks since his pro debut in 2016, faces another tough welterweight opponent in Dulorme after previously stopping former champion Sergey Lipinets in April. Dulorme, a 147-pound contender and former 140-pound title challenger, has amassed a solid resume in his career, climbing into the ring with world champions Yordenis Ugas, Jessie Vargas and Terence Crawford.

Named the 2020 Prospect of the Year by Ring Magazine, Ennis is trained by his father Bozy Ennis at Bozy’s Dungeon in his hometown of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Pa.

“My dad has me working on some new things to get better,” said the 24-year-old who boasts sublime boxing skills and power in both hands. “We’re working on having me be more relaxed in there and just staying sharp and alert, using my jab and going to the body a lot more. I never look for the knockout. I just go in there and do what I’m supposed to do and I let the knockout come to me, which it usually does.”

Ennis is currently ranked IBF No. 3, WBO and WBA No. 5 and WBC No. 8 at 147 pounds, and he believes that a title shot isn’t far away. He sees his latest opponent as just another obstacle in the way of reaching his ultimate goal.

“Dulorme is a good fighter and I don’t take anything away from him,” Ennis said. “He’s fought a lot of great guys, world champions, but I’m on a different level right now. I’m coming to take over the welterweight division and he’s in my way. He’s got to go. I’m coming for all the belts.”

With Ennis’ last three fights, including the no-contest against Chris van Heerden, all coming inside “The Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun, he is excited to fight out west for the first time in the Boxing Capital of the World as a profesional. Ennis does have fond memories of the city, however, having won Gold at the 2015 National Golden Gloves in Las Vegas.

“That’s a really fun memory, especially because I won the whole tournament,” he said. “I love Vegas. It’s the home of boxing, but honestly, I have so many fans from Philly coming out to this fight that it’s going to feel like I’m fighting at home. I would love to keep fighting in Vegas, bring my Philly people out, and make it like a second home.”

As the next in line amongst future Philadelphia-born world champions, Ennis takes great pride in his hometown and sees lots of boxing potential brewing in the City of Brotherly Love. “I definitely see a lot of other great prospects in Philly. There are even some amateurs that are about to turn pro that are great prospects. Philly has a lot of firepower and great guys coming up in the ranks right now. I feel like Philly is going to take over the boxing world.”

Ennis made his SHOWTIME debut in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, scoring a third-round TKO over Armando Alvarez. Ennis has continued his progression on SHOWTIME, including in his last fight in April, when Ennis passed the most significant test of his career with flying colors, becoming the first fighter to stop Lipinets. Still, the rising star isn’t satisfied.

“It’s wonderful that I’m getting more and more recognition, but that’s not what I do this for. I’m just ready to take over the entire division. I promise this is just the start for me.”

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ABOUT JAMES VS. BUTAEV
James vs. Butaev will see WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James defend his title against unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev in a 12-round duel that headlines a night of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 10-round showdown against veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera faces Argentina’s Matías Romero in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Ennis vs. Dulorme is promoted in association with D&D Boxing. Rivera vs. Romero is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing.

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

LAS VEGAS (October 13, 2021) – WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James will defend his title against unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev in a 12-round duel that headlines a night of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 10-round showdown against veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera faces Argentina’s Matías Romero in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Ennis vs. Dulorme is promoted in association with D&D Boxing. Rivera vs. Romero is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing.

“A stacked lineup of top contenders and up-and-coming future champions will be on full display October 30 on SHOWTIME in Las Vegas,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jamal James has battled his way to the highest levels of the welterweight division and will get one step closer to gathering elite status if he can overcome the unbeaten Radzhab Butaev. The undercard bouts will also feature two rising stars, as Jaron Ennis and Michel Rivera look to impress in tough matchups on a big stage.”

Minneapolis’ James (27-1, 12 KOs) returns to action after his previous outing saw him earn an interim title by defeating Thomas Dulorme in August 2020, before later being upgraded to the “regular” championship. The 33-year-old is riding a seven-bout winning streak that includes triumphs over Abel Ramos, Diego Gabriel Chaves and Antonio DeMarco, with four of those matchups coming in his hometown, where he has grown a rabid fan base. With a win on October 30, James moves nearer to a potential rematch of his first and only defeat against WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas.

“Training is and has been at 100%,” said James. “I’m excited to finally get back in the ring and defend my title. This will be the fight where I show everyone why I’m elite in this profession and should be recognized as one of the best.”

The 27-year-old Butaev (13-0, 10 KOs) will finally square off against James in a long-awaited matchup ordered by the WBA. Butaev turned pro after approximately 400 amateur bouts in 2016 and reeled-off KOs in six of his first seven outings. Originally from Russia and now fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., Butaev returned to the ring in December 2020, stopping previously unbeaten Terry Chatwood in the third round.

“We’ve been working hard for a year leading up to this fight,” said Butaev. “Everything is going really well in camp and we’re excited to finally get in the ring against James. I’ve seen how James fights and it’s definitely going to be a clash of styles. I can just promise that I’m going to bring the war and make this an exciting fight. I’m going to start writing my history on October 30.”

Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs) is the latest in the pantheon of outstanding Philadelphia fighters, combining sublime boxing skills with natural power in both hands. After numerous appearances on ShoBox: The New Generation, the 24-year-old Ennis graduated to headlining his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast in his last outing in April, as he became the first fighter to stop former world champion Sergey Lipinets. The knockout victory gave Ennis 17 KOs in his last 18 fights, with the only blemish being a no-decision in the first round against Chris van Heerden in December 2020.

“I’m glad to be back in the ring October 30 on SHOWTIME in Las Vegas,” said Ennis. “This is another step towards becoming world champion! They haven’t seen nothing yet. It’s time for me to continue to shine and be great. I can’t wait to show out and have some fun.”

The 31-year-old Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs) has amassed a solid resume at 140 and 147 pounds during his career, climbing into the ring with world champions Yordenis Ugas, Jessie Vargas and Terence Crawford. Born in Marigot, Guadeloupe but representing Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dulorme rebounded from a loss to Crawford for a 140-pound title by scoring back-to-back knockouts, followed by a narrow decision loss to Ugas. The world title challenger is coming off solid efforts in back-to-back decision losses against Jamal James and Eimantas Stanionis.

“I think in the Stanionis fight I demonstrated that I am still at the top level,” said Dulorme. “A lot of people told me I won that fight and I thought I did too. I’m excited to face Ennis because he’s a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought anyone like me. The fans can expect another great performance from me on SHOWTIME.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Juan Rene Tellez. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera has continued his dominance with a pair of knockout victories in 2021, stopping Anthony Mercado in February before most recently delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME.

“Romero made a big mistake taking this fight,” said Rivera. “What he’s seen from me in the gym, is not the same thing that he’s going to see on fight night. He is far from a fight night fighter. He folds under pressure or runs. He is a good fighter, but he’s not at my level. I won’t let him go the distance like Isaac Cruz did. On October 30, I’m going to give him the beating of his lifetime.”

Romero (24-1, 8 KOs) made his stateside debut in March, dropping a competitive decision to top lightweight contender Isaac Cruz on SHOWTIME. Previously, the Cordoba, Argentina native picked up a pair of victories in 2020, winning a 12-round decision over Javier Jose Clavero in November, while stopping Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero in March. A pro since 2015, the 25-year-old will look to bounce back from his first defeat and move into title contention against another elite 135-pound opponent.

“Rivera and I have the same promoter and I personally requested for Sampson Lewkowicz to let me fight him when I saw he had no opponent,” said Romero. “I am willing to step in because I know I can beat him. We have trained at the same gym, but never sparred. His style is perfect for my style. This is going to be another victory for me to add to my collection.”

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

Jaron Ennis remained undefeated with an emphatic 6th round stoppage over Sergey Lipinets in a welterweight bout at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Round three, Ennis dropped Lipinets with an uppercut. In round six, Ennis rocked Lipinets with a right hook that was followed by a hard left that put Lipinets flat on his back and the fight was stopped at 2:11

Ennis, 146.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 27-0 with 25 knockouts. Lipinets, 146.8 lbs of Russia is 16-2.

Jaron Ennis

“Most definitely I think I graduated tonight. It’s on the up and up now. It’s onto bigger and better fights now.

“That’s what we work on in the gym, a lot of power shots, just having fun and doing my thing.

“I’m comfortable on both sides (righty or lefty). It’s natural for me and I don’t know when I switch. Everything is all natural. That’s about it.

“I saw that he wasn’t really as good on the inside as me and that’s why I started getting a little closer and I started touching and looking for my big shot, and I found it.

Do you think it will be hard to get a fight now?  

“No, I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe one of those guys will give me a fight and will want to fight me. We’ll see.

Where can you improve?

“Just staying more relaxed, and I did that tonight. I’m going to keep working on being calm and composed. Jabbing more and get out of the way.”

“I’ll always be hard on myself when I look back at my performance. My goal is to keep getting better, sharper, faster and stronger so I can become world champion.

“As long as I keep fighting top guys, I’m happy. I feel like I will be world champion by the end of this year or beginning of next year. Patience is the key though.

“I saw I was breaking him down, so I started walking toward him and getting closer. He wasn’t fighting as well on the inside as I was. Eventually, I caught him with a big hook, then the uppercut and that was it.

“I don’t think it was my hardest fight. I was in there having fun and doing what I wanted. I don’t take anything away from Lipinets, because he’s a great fighter, but I was just doing me, being relaxed and putting on a show.

“Hopefully the other top welterweight fighters want to take me on. I want to elevate my career and go down in history as a Hall of Famer.

“Lipinets has been in there with the best before, so I wasn’t surprised he held up for a while. I knew he’d be durable. That’s why I didn’t jump on the gas right away. I just took my time and broke him down.

“I might have to become a mandatory to get the title fight. Until then, I’m going to keep working to fight the best fighters available to me.

“I saw he was getting frustrated and I was breaking him down mentally and physically. I’m not like those others guys he fought, I can do it all. I can fight inside and out.

“I knew the knockout was coming. I just kept listening to my corner and my dad kept telling me to take my time. I knew eventually it would come and it did.

“I definitely feel like I’m getting stronger fight by fight. I was getting stronger as the fight went on round by round. I would have had that power in the 12th round if we had gotten there.”

Stanionis decisions Dulorme

Eimantas Stanionis won a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Dulorme in a welterweight bout.

Stanionis landed 232 of 613 punches; Dulorme was 193 of 765.

Stanonis, 147 lbs of Lithuania won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 13-0. Dulorme, 146.4 lbs is 26-51.

Eimantas Stanionis

“I said before my fight I wanted to test myself against the top welterweights in the division. In my country [Lithuania] this is the first time they are showing my fight on television live so everybody is very excited and everybody is watching. It was big, big pressure. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.

“I want to test every time I step into the ring what kind of level I can achieve, you know. With what kind of fighters that I can compete.

“I think I am top 10 [in my division]. It’s my opinion. I need experience. I think I can hang with top guys. I’ve been sparring with world champions and I did very well so I’m confident I can beat anybody in the welterweight division. Of course, I need experience. I’ve only got like 15 pro fights.”

“It’s been a dream since I was a kid watching SHOWTIME to be on this stage. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve had a long hard journey to get here, but it’s been worth it.

“Dulorme was a little bit awkward. It was hard to throw my right hand because he was catching me on the body. I couldn’t hit as hard as I wanted to because of hand injuries. I felt my hands hurt a few times when I was hitting him, but it should be okay.

“He was quicker and more explosive than I thought he’d be. On video he does not look as explosive. He was a smart fighter and he used a lot of good movement. You can’t take anything away from him. He’s a warrior.

“Everything was on point in training camp. Me and Marvin Somodio make a great team, we click very well and I think we have even more to look forward to in the future.

“Dulorme always threw back at me, even if I hurt him. I knew that if I was wild, he could have caught me with a good shot. I have more confidence in myself now because I know I can go 12 rounds with a good fighter. I know how the pressure will hit me now. Anything can happen in this sport, so I made sure I was prepared coming into this fight.”

Ancajas defends IBF Junior Bantamweight Title with decision over Rodriguez

Jerwin Ancajas defended his IBF Junior Bantamweight title for the 9th time with a hard fought 12-round unanious decision over Jonathan Rodriguez.

In round eight, Ancajas landed a hard flurry in the corner that was followed up by a left that put Rodriguez on the canvas. The two stood in the pocket and landed hard power shots throughout the contest, with Ancajas seemingly landing the harder shots with Rodriguez landing flashy and flush combinations.

Ancajas landed 232 of 758 punches; Rodriguez was 273 of 826.

Ancajas, 1148 lbs of the Philippines won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 to raise his record to 33-1-2. Rodriguez, 115 lbs of Mexico is 21-2.

Jerwin Ancajas

“We made a lot of sacrifices for this defense. This fight was very hard for me. I was happy to get the knock down because Rodriguez is tough, but I have strong boxing. This was my toughest world title defense. For me, I will wait for the plan of my coaches and promoter and hope to get a chance for a unification fight.”

“I’m very happy to get the win. I waited a long time for the opportunity to get back in the ring and it’s exciting to win in my first fight on this stage fighting on SHOWTIME. It’s a big win for my whole team.

“This was my toughest fight so far. It was the hardest of any of my nine defenses and it’s exciting that it was on a big card. I trained hard for this opportunity and it feels great to get the win.

“I thought he was going to be stopped because I saw him look at his corner and it didn’t look like he wanted to go on. But he got up and fought and I respect him for doing that.

“This was a good experience for me and I thank for Jonathan for bringing the fight. He’s also going to get better from the experience tonight.

“I want to fight all of the other champions in this division. Estrada, Chocolatito and all of the big names. I proved again that I’m a real champion and I deserve to be on the level with the rest of the champions.”

Jonathan Rodriguez

“I don’t think it was a just decision. I thought maybe a split decision, and I would accept it a little more. But we knew coming in that the judges were against us in this fight.

“I did have to recuperate (after the eighth-round knockdown). He hit me with a good shot, and I got knocked down.

“No, no, no. I was definitely motivated to keep fighting. I wasn’t going to quit. But I knew I had to keep fighting in this heroic fight. Now, people know I’m a great rival here and anybody who wants to fight me, I will be ready to fight them. And they saw today what I can do in the ring.”

Welterweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 146 ½ lbs.

Sergey Lipinets – 146 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Don Trella (Conn.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Eimantas Stanionis – 147 lbs.

Thomas Dulorme – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Frank Lombardi (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

IBF Junior Bantamweight World Title Bout – 12 Rounds

Jerwin Ancajas – 114 ¾ lbs.

Jonathan Rodriguez – 115 lbs.

Referee: David Fields; Judges: Tom Paolillo (N.Y.), Tom Schreck (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosts the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: ringside reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast will be produced by Raymond Smaltz and directed by Chuck McKean. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

SHOWTIME is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up here.

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

NEW YORK – April 8, 2021 – Undefeated rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and former world champion Sergey Lipinets previewed their 12-round welterweight showdown during fighter media availability Thursday before they square off in the main event live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Also discussing their respective clashes were unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis and hard-hitting Thomas Dulorme, who meet in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-feature, and IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas and Mexico’s Jonathan Rodriguez, who will kick off the tripleheader with a title fight at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JARON ENNIS

“After I do my thing on Saturday night and I do it with a big statement, it’s only up from there. On to bigger and better things. The elite fighters and the top three guys and then maybe a world title by the end of the year. This fight is just going to elevate my ranking, my superstardom and it will be the start of me being a pay-per-view star.

“I’m not worried about what Lipinets is talking about. At the end of the day, he still has to get in the ring with me on Saturday night. And we’re going to see. They don’t know what I’m going to bring. I’m an all-around fighter. You don’t know how I’m going to fight. I can fight several different ways. He just needs to know he’s gotta be ready.

“Training camp went great. It was the same old but just taking everything to the next level. I added a new workout into my training camp which was the underwater treadmill. It’s good for your legs and your lungs. It’s crazy. I do it three times a week and it makes me feel phenomenal.

“Everybody knows my style. I’m in and out like a robbery. The main goal is to be smart, go in there and win in dominating fashion. If the knockout comes, it comes. But the goal is to look good, put on a beautiful performance and get the knockout at the end of the night.

“Being from Philadelphia, a city with so many great champions, at the end of the day you just have to put on for Philly and continue the legacy that those guys started. My goal is to continue their legacy and have more world champions from Philadelphia. I feel like we’re going to have more world champions from Philadelphia around this time next year.

“These are the types of fights I’ve been waiting for. This is the guy that’s going to take me to the next level because he has a good name and he was a former world champion at 140 pounds. After this, without looking past Sergey Lipinets, I feel like I’m ready for a top five or top three guy and then a world title at the end of the year. If any of the top guys need a dance partner, they can just call.

“I’ve been trying to get these types of guys in the ring for about two-and-a-half years. I’ve been trying to get former world champions and top ten guys. It just didn’t happen. I finally got my chance and you guys are going to see a whole different animal. A whole different beast. It’s time for me to do my thing. I’m real excited.

“His style is tailor-made for me. Him coming forward is picture-perfect for me. He’s going to be running into shots all night long. It’s going to be a long night for him.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“Everything was perfect in training camp. It was not an easy camp at all. It was probably the hardest I’ve ever had. I made it through and I feel 100% ready to go.

“I think the opposition that I’ve faced is definitely better than what Ennis has faced. I went 12 rounds with Mikey Garcia and I faced a two-time champion in Lamont Peterson. Those guys have pushed me to the edge before. Ennis has more pro fights than I do, he just hasn’t been pushed in the same way in his fights.

“We’re not basing our training on him weakening over the second half of the fight. We prepared for someone ready to go 12 hard rounds. We’re going to stay consistent, come forward and throw punches. We’re going to push ourselves and try to push Jaron as well.

“The main thing I learned from my last fight is to not depend on the judges. I know that we’re both coming to knock each other out. That’s what makes for an attractive fight. We’re hunting for opportunities to hurt him.

“I don’t worry about any outside noise or what people say about this fight. It doesn’t matter to me if I’m the underdog. I’m coming in there to do my job and put on the best performance possible.

“Ennis is young and up-and-coming fighter. All we want is a shot at the title and everything that comes with it. A win in this fight will give us all of that. I want to get my crack at the big dogs in the division.

“From what I’ve seen, Ennis can fight inside or box on the outside. He’s the whole package. Whatever he brings into the ring, I’ll be ready for it. We have multiple game plans and multiple ways that we can get this victory.

“If you follow my career, you know that I never turn down a fight. Ennis is still just another fighter. A lot of people have his skills. I love fighting boxers who are a challenge, and he presents a big challenge. That’s what excites me.

“We’re both looking to control the action, but we’ll see what happens when the bell rings. I’m focused on what I have to do to put myself in position to execute my punches. I’m looking to capitalize on any mistakes or openings he gives me.

“Custio Clayton is a very good fighter, I don’t see a lot of people lined up to face him. After a couple rounds of action though, he was trying to fight an evasive fight. It was a very competitive fight and I still feel like I won.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“We are entertainers, so I definitely want the knockout. That’s part of my job. I have to do my best to give the fans something to remember. I always put 100% of my heart into a fight and that makes me happy no matter what the result is.

“Both Ennis and I have step up fights on Saturday like everyone is saying. We both have our toughest challenges yet and I think we’re both on the same track now as the next champions in the division.

“Everything was good in training. I’ve been training nonstop. I haven’t taken a break since my last fight, so I’m always in shape. You never know when the call is going to come for your next fight.

“There is some pressure to be the first world champion from Lithuania. Everybody is going wild for this fight because they’re going to show it over there. It’s amazing and it’s very exciting for me.

“I think on Saturday I’m going to answer a lot of questions about me. I believe that I can beat any of the welterweight champions. Everyone will see my level and what I’m capable of. I know I have to step up every fight and prove it again and again.

“For me, it doesn’t matter who I fight next. I’ll never say no to a fight. It can be two against one and I’ll be up for it. I’m just that kind of person. I want to give it my best no matter what.

“I’m very thankful to have this opportunity on a stage like this. It’s a new era coming up of young hungry fighters in the welterweight division. I think my will to win and get knockouts will separate me. I also think my style is fan-friendly and that will help me stand out.

“I would accept a fight against a champion next, but I know that experience is important. I want experience against good opposition like Dulorme. I know that will get me ready and show my team that I’ll be ready for the champions when that time comes.”

THOMAS DULORME

“Fights don’t always go the way we expect them to, so I’m prepared for anything that happens in the ring. I have enough experience that I’m prepared for any way that Stanionis plans to fight.

“I learned a lot against Jamal James. He was a tall and awkward fighter. I think it was a good experience for me. Stanionis is a very different fighter, so we’re focused on what we need to do against a fighter with his skills.

“This is a good fight for the fans and for me and my career. I’m ready to show everyone that I’m still a serious contender in the welterweight division.

“Training camp was great. I worked in the gym for the last 10 weeks every day. Right now I’m feeling perfect and ready for Saturday night.

“I have to win this fight. I know that with a win I’m going to get the bigger opportunities that I’m looking for. My experience is going to be a big factor. I’m planning to test him and see how he holds up in the later rounds.

“Stanionis is a fighter who comes forward and throws punches. He stands in the middle, unlike Jamal James who was more evasive. That style is going to make it easier for me to put on the kind of fight that I want.”

JERWIN ANCAJAS

“This fight is very important to me. I want to defend my title again badly. Every fight is very important and that’s how I prepare. That’s why I still have my title and why I must keep it.

“It hasn’t been frustrating being out of the ring for 16 months because we are always training and always in the gym. We always believed that a big fight was going to come. I stayed focused and stayed ready. From March until October in the pandemic, I was able to train and stay focused. In October, I arrived to the U.S. and I’ve never stopped training. I feel very prepared to meet the challenge on Saturday night.

“Every fight I always want to perform my best and put on a good fight because I want people to know my name. Everybody always talks about Estrada, Chocolatito and Rungvisai so that’s why I’m excited to have this opportunity to showcase my skills and challenge those guys.

“I promise that on Saturday night I’m going to put on a great fight. I’m ready for what Jonathan Rodriguez will bring. It’s Mexico vs. Philippines, which is a great rivalry with great history. I’m prepared. I watched Jonathan and I know that he’s hungry and coming for the title. It will be a really good action fight.

“I want people to remember me for being a champion and giving my all every time I get in the ring. After this fight, I want to face some of the top guys in my division. I always come to the fight and give the fans my best and that’s how I want people to remember me.

“I’m very comfortable right now at 115 pounds. I’m looking to win on Saturday night and I want to fight whoever is left after the four-man tournament between Rungvisai, Chocolatito, Estrada and Cuadras. I’m always calling the name of any titleholder in my division, so I would fight Ioka too. I want a signature fight because I’m tired of people criticizing me for not fighting anybody. After this, that’s what I’m targeting and then once I get that fight I plan to move to 118 pounds sometime next year.

“If I had to choose one name, I would want to fight Chocolatito because I always watched him on TV and he’s my idol. Now, if I have the opportunity to fight Chocolatito I really want that fight.

“It doesn’t bother me that everybody is always talking about Chocolatito and Estrada and those guys. It’s a compliment. I know that one day it will come and I will get the opportunity to fight those guys. A lot of people will be watching on Saturday night so I want to make a great statement so that my name can still be in the mix with all of those guys.”

JONATHAN RODRIGUEZ

“I had a great training camp over the last two months. I’ve been looking forward to this fight for the last two years and I can’t wait to get into the ring Saturday night.

“Ancajas is a great champion, but he’s never faced someone like me. I’m going to put the pressure on him from the very beginning Saturday night and show him that he has a great Mexican fighter standing in his way.

“I’m very excited for this fight. My daughter was just born five days ago and that gives me extra motivation to put on a great show and make my name known in the United States.

“We have been preparing the whole time since my last fight and I really couldn’t feel any better heading into Saturday. I’ve been studying Ancajas for two years now, so I feel like I know everything about him.

“The Mexico vs. Philippines rivalry is a great one and I definitely remember watching the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fights. I’m excited to carry the Mexican flag after I win on Saturday.

“This is a stacked division with a lot of great fighters. Ancajas is a world champion, but I don’t compare him to the other champions in the division. I’m just focused on what I have to do Saturday.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2021) – Undefeated welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to cement his status as a rising star in the welterweight division when he takes on rugged former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 23-year-old Ennis will be facing the toughest competition of his career in Lipinets, as he enters the ring in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Ennis has used sublime boxing skills and power in both hands to make his claim as the city’s next great champion.

Ennis put together a 16-fight knockout streak that included becoming the first person to stop Juan Carlos Abreu when he blasted out the longtime challenger in the sixth round in August 2020. Ennis was unable to extend that streak in December 2020, when his fight against Chris van Heerden was declared a no-contest after round one due to a clash of heads causing a severe cut on Van Heerden’s forehead.

Trained by his father Bozy Ennis, Ennis shared his thoughts on training camp, Lipinets and more below:

On headlining his first Showtime Championship Boxing card:

“It has made my schedule a little crazier. Being in the main event on SHOWTIME brings more attention, but I like it. I like being in the spotlight. I like to shine, so it’s nothing new to me. Now it’s fight time. I am locked in and ready to rock and roll.”

On training camp:

“We always do four-minute rounds in camp. I’ve been doing that since I was a baby. That’s another reason why I don’t sit down when I fight, because I am so used to the four-minute rounds. The three-minute rounds go by real fast on fight night. One thing we added this camp was the underwater treadmill work.”

On his final preparations:

“The week before the fight, we are winding it down and sharpening up. It’s been a great training camp. I have been getting better and better each and every day, and I can’t wait to perform next Saturday.”

On facing his first former world champion:

“He’s a good fighter, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s just another day in the office. He’s a regular person just like anyone else.”

On Sergey calling him a ‘typical Philly fighter’:

“I guess he knows I’m tough, gritty and I’m ready to rumble. I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means.”

On his knockout power:

“I don’t think I have my man strength yet. I feel it will be one or two more years until I fully have my man strength. The crazy part is, I feel like in a fight, I still haven’t thrown a real power shot and really sat down on a punch yet. Everything I’ve been knocking guys out with has been all natural strength.”

On how he views his knockout streak:

“Some people might look at a knockout on April 10 as the 17th consecutive knockout, some might view it as the start of a new knockout streak. For me, I don’t really care as long as I come out victorious. That’s all that matters to me. I’m not looking for a knockout but I’m going to take it if it comes.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2021) – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets shared insights into his training camp as he prepares to take on rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 32-year-old Lipinets became a world champion at 140-pounds in 2017 when he dominated Akihiro Kondo on his way to a unanimous decision live on SHOWTIME. After losing the title to Mikey Garcia via decision in March 2018, Lipinets began his campaign at 147 pounds, with his sights set on becoming a two-division champion.

Prior to a March 2019 showdown against two-division champion Lamont Peterson, Lipinets joined forces with famed trainer Joe Goossen to help guide him toward his welterweight goals. Lipinets showed immediate strides, stopping the durable Peterson in a memorable fight that he recently singled out as perhaps the best performance of his career.

Lipinets followed that up with a knockout over Jayar Inson before most recently earning a draw against late-replacement Custio Clayton in their October 2020 clash. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California.

Here is what Lipinets had to say from training camp in Los Angeles with Goossen:

On his current training camp:

Sergey Lipinets: “Training is going really well. This is probably my hardest training camp ever. We’re training for Ennis’ physical abilities because we know he’s the full package as a fighter. He’s an up-and-comer with a lot on the line against me. So I’m really pushing myself. I’ve had to spar some really diverse fighters because Ennis does a lot of different things in the ring and he can switch up stances and styles. We’ve had some rigorous sparring sessions.

“Working with Coach Goossen is a great fit for me. He’s making it so that the things we’re working on are like second nature to me. It’s lots of work on combinations and throwing punches from different angles. Personality-wise we’re on the same page too, so we get along great, but he still pushes me.”

On Ennis being an “avoided” fighter:

SL: “I’m not sure why people say Ennis is avoided. On this level, nobody is afraid of anybody. I took this fight because I recognize that he’s one of the best welterweights out there, and I believe that when I beat him, it’ll put me in the mix for another championship fight. After this fight, the champions in this division are going to have to face me.”

On what he learned from his previous fight against Custio Clayton:

SL: “We didn’t have the proper amount of time to prepare for Clayton, and he’s not an easy guy to fight. He has a great amateur pedigree, and he’s athletic and boxes well. On top of all that, I pulled my left hamstring in the third round and it got worse and worse over the course of the fight. I don’t want to make excuses, but that wasn’t the best fight for me.

“What I learned from that fight and every other fight is that I have to fight from the first bell to the last bell. I’m prepared to go the full 12 rounds and give it my all, like always.”

On how his experience against top fighters and fighting during the pandemic helps him April 10:

SL: “Mikey Garcia has a different physicality and power, so having gone 12 rounds with him might help me. I took some serious punches from him, and I did some damage to him as well. But Jaron was born with a mouthpiece in, not a pacifier. I know he’s a fighter and he’ll be ready. This fight will come down to sheer will. We’ll see on April 10 whether he’s ready for me, but I don’t think I have all that much more experience than him because I know he’s been around boxing his whole life.

“It’s good to have experience fighting during these times, but that won’t make much difference. No matter what, when the bright lights come on and the bell rings, I’m ready to go. I love to fight. That’s what I do, regardless of the bubble or wherever I am.”

On what fans can expect to see on April 10:

SL: “I just want the sparks to fly. I believe that Jaron will bring out the best in me. I know that he’s a typical Philadelphia fighter who has a lot of pride, and I expect us to have an old school melee on April 10.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

NEW YORK – March 26, 2021 – Rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and former world champion Sergey Lipinets previewed their upcoming 12-round showdown during a virtual press conference Friday before they square off in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Ennis face his toughest test to date on his pursuit of a world title shot, while Lipinets looks to make a statement on his quest toward becoming a two-division world champion, having previously captured a title at 140 pounds.

The action will also feature unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis taking another step up in class in the co-main event, as he faces former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. In the telecast opener, IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas makes the ninth defense of his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday:

JARON ENNIS

“Training camp has been going well. I’m ready to rock and roll, ready to shine and take over this division. It’s my time and this is the fight that’s going to take me to the next level and bring out the skills and ability that you’ve never seen before. You will see an amazing, strong, sharp fighter ready to put on a punishing performance and get the knockout at the end of the night.

“I know Sergey Lipinets is going to come forward and be right in front of me. That’s his style and it’s perfect for me. His style clashes perfectly with mine and he’s going to be running into shots all night long.

“It’s a great feeling to be fighting in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING for the first time. I’m excited and it’s just my time. After this fight, it’s on to bigger and better and I just can’t wait.

“Whatever he brings, I’m going to be ready for it. We don’t look at anybody as a stepping stone but this fight is going to take me to the next level. I can do a bunch of different things and my opponent doesn’t know how I’m going to come out. He just needs to know I’m ready and this is the hardest I’ve ever worked to get ready for a fight. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I finally got a guy with a name and now it’s my time to shine and show the world my talent and show them that I’m not to be played with. I’m a dangerous man and they will see on April 10.

“Every time I fight, they always say it’s a step-up. And then when I do what I do, they say I need to fight somebody better. At the end of the day, I just work for myself and my family and my team. I’m just focused on getting better each and every fight and I just work harder and harder every time so I can perform to the best of my ability and show the world that with each fight, I’m getting better, stronger and smarter.

“Beating Lipinets would take my career to the next level because he’s a former world champion at 140 pounds and he fought a lot of top guys. Making a statement against him is definitely a whole different level and it would boost me all the way up the rankings. I feel like after this fight, it’s on to bigger and better things. But we have business to handle on April 10 first.

“I don’t watch tape of the guys that I fight. I leave that up to my team because you never know how a guy is going to come out. Just because he did one thing against one opponent doesn’t mean he’s going to do the same thing with me. You have to prepare yourself all the way around and that’s what we do. I do know that he’s a great fighter, but it’s my time.

“Not looking past Sergey Lipinets, but with me doing my thing on April 10, I definitely feel like I’ll be ready for a world title shot by the end of the year. You know me. I’ll fight anybody and everybody. All they have to do is call. I’m hungry and I’ve been waiting for these types of fights. All I want to do is fight, be great, be a legend and a multi-division world champion.

“Everybody has different roads to a world title. Mine is taking a little longer than some others but I don’t mind it. I’m still learning. I’m young and I’m getting better each and every fight. I’m fine with the way that my career is progressing. Everything is happening for a reason. It’s perfect timing for this opportunity.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m a hard worker and I’m not afraid of anything. Nothing is going to scare me when I step into a ring. This ‘stepping stone’ is going to be too high for Ennis. I’m going to go in there and give him a hell of a night.

“If you look at my career and how I went through the ranks, I did something that a lot of people didn’t. I was a world champion 13 fights in. I like to fight and I like challenges. Ennis is the challenge this time. I’ve never hesitated or thought twice about taking a fight. I wanted to fight the best, and Ennis is one of the best out there right now. If I win, it will further prove that I belong where I am right now.

“I’m learning with every fight that I have. The question is how to correct the mistakes you make. Before I even knew I would fight Ennis, I was already back in the gym working on correcting little mistakes from the Custio Clayton fight.

“We’ve watched Ennis’ fights and this is a guy who’s not going to shy away or just stay on the outside. He’s going to come to fight and that appealed to me. That’s what I like and I’m looking forward to it.

“Ultimately, we all want those world titles. This is the kind of fight where the winner can’t be denied anymore. Ennis is not a boogeyman, he’s another fighter with two hands and two feet.

“I’m sure that he’s training hard for 12 rounds. We’re both going to be ready. Ultimately, our main goal is to put on a great show. May the best man win. It’s hard to predict how he’ll do in the later rounds, because it does look like he belongs with me at the top of the division. We’ll find out on April 10.

“I’m not thinking about anything that’s going to happen after this fight. I’m just worried about April 10. I have to deal with Jaron Ennis, and that’s not an easy task. After this fight, we can have that conversation about the other big names at welterweight.

“It may look like I’m a fighter who’s standing there in front of you, but I’m good at working hard, getting into my opponent’s chest and doing what I do best, which is throw punches from every possible angle. The punch that is really going to hurt you, is the one that you don’t see coming.

“It’s been a hard training camp because it’s probably easier for Ennis to get a sparring partner who is like me, than it is for me to get someone like Ennis. We’ve had to get a lot of fighters in here and it’s made it a hard camp. I’ve been digging real deep every day in training.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is really is a fantastic main event. Ennis is one of boxing’s fastest-rising talents. He has the kind of style that just makes great fights. He has tremendous hand speed, punching power and he can switch styles from orthodox to southpaw, which makes it very hard for opponents to prepare for him.

“Ennis is taking a big step up in class against the former world champion Sergey Lipinets, who always comes to fight. He’s a seasoned aggressive fighter with serious punching power. In his only loss, a world title defense against Mikey Garcia, you could see that he landed the bigger, harder, more punishing shots and you could tell by looking at Garcia’s face after the fight.

“Lipinets can make it a tough night for anyone. This fight will show us if Ennis has the goods to be the next big thing at 147 pounds.

“This is a tremendous tripleheader starting out with a great world title fight. With Eimantas Stanionis stepping up against Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event, we see another rising star in the division. I think that Stanionis and Ennis might be the two guys a notch ahead of the other rising contenders at 147-pounds. Plus the all-action main event, it’s going to be great for the fans watching on SHOWTIME.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“We are really excited about this card and the whole weekend. For SHOWTIME, it is a big fight weekend. Friday night, we’ve got the launch of our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix from BELLATOR MMA as part of our three consecutive weeks of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME. I can’t think of a better way to top this whole weekend off with two of the most exciting fighters in the 147-pound division. Two of the most fan-friendly fighters in the division. This is guaranteed to be an exciting fight.

“We have three intriguing, meaningful fights on Saturday April 10. We open with a world title fight and that shows the depth of this card and the quality of the card. You can look across the networks and all the various platforms, you don’t see many cards with a world title fight three fights down. It should be an all-action world title fight with Jerwin Ancajas and Jonathan Rodriguez. In the co-feature, fast-rising young welterweight Eimantas Stanionis against the veteran Thomas Dulorme. Given those two styles, I’d expect all action.

“The main event is one of the premier fights on the schedule this spring. It’s something that fight fans have been looking forward to ever since it was first identified as a possibility. We’ve seen Sergey Lipinets on SHOWTIME several times. He is an aggressive fighter. You know exactly what he does when he gets in the ring. He’s all-action and he’s a big puncher. Jaron is the same type of fighter. This has the makings of a real war. Two highly accomplished guys in the welterweight division. We may just be seeing who is the future in the welterweight division when we’re done with this card.

“One of the things that we enjoy most at SHOWTIME is helping build a fighter. Our audience likes it when they can see guys over and over again and watch as a fighter matures. That’s what happened with Sergey. We had him on for one of his early fights and we saw him all the way through a world title and big fights. With ‘Boots’, we’ve been proud to work with him as he grows from a young fighter and highly regarded prospect on ShoBox to now seeing another big step in his career as a main event. If he’s able to win, his credentials put him up at the top of the division. The same goes for Sergey. The winner of this fight deserves a high-level fight. These are two guys at the top of the division, two of the most exciting guys in the division and whoever comes out on top is due for a world title shot in the very near future.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS

Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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