LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (May 8, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of No.1 WBA-ranked super lightweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (20-2-1, 7 KOs). The former Team USA member who proudly represents Chicago, Illinois will make his anticipated Golden Boy debut on an upcoming card this summer 2024.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy family,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “Thank you to Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez and the entire Golden Boy team for making this deal happen and giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent to the world. My team and I know that with the Golden Boy team backing me, I will definitely become a world champion.”

“With a No.1 ranking in the WBA, tremendous skills and a dynamite tram behind him, Kenneth Sims is poised to make some real noise in the 140-pound division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “Inside the company, we have a slew of mouth-watering match-ups for Kenneth that could quickly propel him into the world championship picture.”

An amateur standout, former Team USA member and ranked No.1 by the WBA, Kenneth Sims Jr. began his boxing career at eight-years-old when his father, Kenneth Sims Sr., wanted him to learn some defensive skills. Enticed by winning, he built an extensive amateur career that saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future world champion Jose Ramirez. Sims made the decision to remain an amateur following the 2012 Olympic Trials and won the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. He was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the baddest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Sims capitalized on the moment, outboxing Rodriguez on his way to a majority decision. Since then, he has added four more victories to his resume catapulting him to the top of the rankings.

Outside the ring, Sims and his fiancé Jailyn live in the Chicago area with their daughter Nova and son Kenneth Sims III. Sims has loved every second of being a father and says that it provides a whole new motivation to be successful so he can provide for his growing family.

Roseland, NJ (May 15, 2023) –It was a perfect weekend for GH3 Promotions fighters as Kenneth Sims won a WBA Super Lightweight Elimination bout in Las Vegas, while Junior Younan remained undefeated and Otha Jones III was impressive in Orlando

“This was a great weekend for our fighters. I am so proud of Kenny Sims for the effort he had on Saturday night. He has persevered through so much over the last couple of years, and his hard work paid off and is now in line to fight for a world title. Junior Younan and Otha Jones both have so much ability and they are both getting back on track in their respective ways, and only good things are in their future,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

Photo by Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

Kenneth Sims Jr. outlasted former world title challenger Batyr Akhmedov by taking a 12-round majority decision in a junior welterweight Elimination bout.

The two traded hard shots throughout the high-punch count affair. Sims fought that few rounds with a closed right eye.

Sims landed 309 of 832 punches. Akhmedov landed 331 of 933.

Sims, 139.25 lbs of Chicago, won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 20-2-1. Akhmedov, 138.75 lbs of Las Angeles is 9-3.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” said Sims, who won for the seventh straight fight. “I’m not supposed to be here right now. That’s what they say. Ain’t nobody thought I would be here right now. And I know that I’m the best so at 140 it’s whatever. I’m ready for anyone.”

“I want the winner of the main event. I want that title. That’s it. Whoever wins the main event, that’s who I want.”

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

Lightweight Otha Jones III scored an emphatic four-round unanimous decision over Marcello Williams on Friday night at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Jones was dominant in his performance as he boxed very well by working behind a great jab. Williams was never able to mount any offense, and Jones won by scores of 40-35on all cards.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is now 7-1-1.

Jones is managed by Split-T Management.

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

Also in Orlando, super middleweight Junior Younan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Alan Campa.

Campa was very aggressive, but Younan was able to fight at his own pace, and catch Campa with some good shots on the way in. Ypunan of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice to raise his record to 18-0-1. Campa of Mexico is 18-8.

Younan is co-promoted with Amaury Piedra

Rolando Romero won the WBA Super Lightweight Title with a controversial ninth round stoppage over late-replacement Ismael Barroso at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round three, Barroso landed a straight left that sent Romero into the ropes and his gloved touched the canvas for a knockdown.

In round nine, Romero landed a right that staggered Barroso and then put him down with a cuffing right. Later in the round, the two were exchanging in the corner, and referee Tony Weeks for reasons beyond comprehension, stopped the fight at 2:41.

Romero, 139.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 15-1 with 13 knockouts. Barroso, 139.5 lbs of Miami was a later replacement for reigning champion Alberto Puello, is now 24-4-2.

Puello failed a PED test several weeks ago.

“I’ll be honest, he’s a warrior and he should have been allowed to continue,” said Romero, who improved to 15-1 with 13 KOs and became the 89^th fighter to perform on SHOBOX: The New Generation to go onto capture a world title. “He wanted to keep going and I wanted him to keep going as well.”

“The first punch was when I had him hurt to begin with,” Romero said. “It was right on the nose, it was a little clip.”

“I think it was an injustice to stop the fight,” said Barroso, a late replacement after Alberto Puello,who previously held the WBA 140-pound title, had been stripped of his title because of a failed VADA test. “I was landing the better shots. It was a push on the first knockdown. It wasn’t a big blow or anything. The referee just stopped the fight, and he didn’t say anything. You can see it clearly. I’m the one who’s hitting him. There was nothing clear that he hit me with. I don’t understand why they stopped the fight.”

“I boxed the entire time,” said Romero, who became the second Las Vegas native to win a world title along with Ishe Smith. “I came in a little cold. I got cracked and I got up like a champion and kept going.”

Romero was clear about his future intentions after the fight. “There’s only two fights I want,” he said. “There’s the rematch with Tank Davis. But I think there’s a much bigger option. I want to go after Ryan Garcia. We can do it on Showtime PPV.”

Rances Barthelemy Decisions Omar Juarez

Rances Barthelemy won a 10-round majority decision over Omar Juarez in a junior welterweight bout.

Barthelemy landed 96 of 448 punches. Juarez was 101 of 428.

Barthelemy, 142.5 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 30-2-1. Juarez, 142.25 lbs of rownsville, TX is 14-2.

The crowd at The Chelsea rained down boos after the decision was read as many thought that Juarez had done enough to win the fight. “I understand that most of the fans are Mexican here and they were going for Juarez,” Barthelemy said. “But I also had my Cuban fans and they were cheering.”

Barthelemy said he would love nothing more than a rematch with Russell. “I want a rematch even more than a title shot,” he said. “I want that rematch with Gary Antuanne Russell. I want it badly.”

The 23-year-old Juarez had his three-fight winning streak halted. “It is what it is,” he said. “I honestly thought I did enough to win, but all That’s left is keep working hard for next time. My one mistake was not staying on top of him. I should have been more aggressive.”

Sims Jr. Decisions Akhmedov in Thrilling Fight

Kenneth Sims Jr. outlasted former world title challenger Batyr Akhmedov by taking a 12-round majority decision in a junior welterweight Elimination bout.

The two traded hard shots throughout the high-punch count affair. Sims fought that few rounds with a closed right eye.

Sims landed 309 of 832 punches. Akhmedov landed 331 of 933.

Sims, 139.25 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 20-2-1. Akhmedov, 138.75 lbs of Las Angeles is 9-3.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” said Sims, who won for the seventh straight fight. “I’m not supposed to be here right now. That’s what they say. Ain’t nobody thought I would be here right now. And I know that I’m the best so at 140 it’s whatever. I’m ready for anyone.”

“I want the winner of the main event. I want that title. That’s it. Whoever wins the main event that’s who I want.”

Akhmedov thought he won the fight after suffering another close loss on the judges’ cards. His previous two losses were also narrow defeats on points. “It’s like every time I don’t stop my opponent it’s like they win,” he said. “It seems like it’s a goal against me. If they reach the 12th round it’s like they already won and they’re already celebrating because the judges give it to them. Look at the punch stats. It’s the third time in a row. I won again. I’m winning rounds, I’m throwing more, I’m hurting him more. He’s surviving seven rounds out of 12.”

Starling Castillo took a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Esteuri Suero in a super lightweight fight.

In round nine, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Suero was cited for the same infraction.

That was the difference as Castillo won by scores of 95-92 twice and 94-93 and is now 18-1-1. Suero, 139.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR os 12-1.

Michael Angeletti stopped Michell Bonquez in round eight of their eight-round bantamweight bout.

In round eight, Angeletti dropped Boxquez when he landed a two rights that was followed by a left. With Bonquez hurt, Angeletti followed up with a hard combination and the fight end the fight was stopped.

Angeletti, 118.2 lbs of Spring, TX 8-0 with seven Bonquez, 118.8 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 20-4.

18 year-old Justin Viloria stopped Pedro Pinillo in round four of their six-round super featherweight bout.

Viloria pounded Pinillo until the bout was stopped in round four.

Viloria, 127.6 lbs of Whittier, CA is the nephew of former world champion Brian Viloria. Viloria is 2-0 with two knockouts. Pinillo, 129.2 lbs of Cali, COL is 5-2.

Roseland, NJ (May 12, 2023) –GH3 Promotions fighters will be prominent in fights across the United States.

Saturday night at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, junior welterweight Kenneth Sims Jr. takes on Batyr Akhmedov in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator.

The bout can be seen LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 PM ET / 6 PM PT)

Sims of Chicago is 19-2-1 with seven knockouts. The 29 year-old Sims has wins over Jonathan Dinong (5-1), Emanuel Robles (15-1), Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1), Keeshawn Williams (8-0-1), Cristian Rubio Mino (22-5-2) and his fight when Sims stopped Rock Dodler Myrthil (17-1) on December 17, 2022 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Akhmedov of Los Angeles via Kazakhstan is 9-2 with eight knockouts. The 32- year-old has defeated Levani Tisiklauri (7-0), world-title challenger Ismael Barroso (20-2-2), Viktor Plotnikov (33-5) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-6-3). Akhmedov has twice challenged for the WBA Super Lightweight titles as he dropped close decisions to Mario Barrios and Alberto Puello.

Friday night, super middleweight Junior Younan will take on Alan Campa in a eight-round bout, while lightweight Otha Jones III fights Marcello Williams at The Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Younan of Brooklyn, New York is 17-0-1 with 11 knockouts. The 27 year-old is a 10 year professional who has wins over Mike Guy (9-2-1) and his last bout when he took out Dauren Yeleussinov in the opening round on July 30, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York.

Campa of Sonora, Mexico is 18-7 with 12 knockouts. Campa, 31, has wins over Jesse Leyva Magallanes (1-0), Christian Solozano (4-1), Ramon Olivas Echevarria (11-1) and Paul Valenzuela Cuesta (15-1). Campa is coming off a loss to Aaron Silva on December 17, 2022 in Commerce, California.

Younan weighed 175 lbs. Campa was 172.4 lbs.

Younan is co-promoted with Amaury Piedra

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

On the same card, lightweight Otha Jones III takes on Marcello Williams in a six-round bout.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jones is 6-1-1 with two knockouts, The 23 year-old Jones has wins over Giorgi Gelashvili (5-1) and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Raymond Chacon on February 25th in Orlando.

Williams of Orlando is 4-16-1 with one knockout. Williams has wins over two undefeated foes in Victoriano Gonzalez (5-0) and Hysom Sabet (1-0-1).

Both Jones and Williams weighed 134 lbs.

Jones is managed by Split-T Management.

LAS VEGAS – April 12, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto “La Avispa” Puello will make the first defense of his world title when he takes on hard-hitting contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and SHOBOX^® alum Kenneth Sims, Jr., meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.  

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, May 13 in Las Vegas lines up to be a fantastic three-fight card with intriguing matchups in the stacked super lightweight division, topped by WBA 140-pound world champion Alberto Puello defending his belt against the always-exciting ‘Rolly’ Romero,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The former two-division champ Rances Barthelemy and young action fighter Omar Juarez will meet in an intriguing crossroads co-main event clash, while two of the 140-pound division’s toughest contenders, Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims, Jr., look to put themselves in position to fight for a world title opening the telecast.”

“This is a big opportunity for ‘Rolly’ and there’s no doubt that he’s going to make the most of it,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He’s focused on preparing to get back in the ring and I know that he’s looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on May 13.”

A native of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the tutelage of renowned trainer Bob Santos, who also trains Puello’s childhood friend, former WBA 130-Pound World Champion Hector Luis Garcia. The 28-year-old captured his world championship in his most recent fight, earning a hard-fought decision victory over Akhmedov last August on SHOWTIME. Puello leapt up the rankings in July 2019, handing Jonathan Alonso his first career defeat with a unanimous decision victory that earned him an interim title. He was also successful in his U.S. debut in December 2021, as he scored a unanimous decision victory over Veshawn Owens in Owens’ hometown.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have to defend my world title on SHOWTIME,” said Puello. “’Rolly’ has fought at the elite level, so I’m looking forward to testing myself and showing why I am the champion. I’m confident in my skills and I’m coming with everything I’ve got. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year, so make sure you tune in.”

Part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) is known for his brash talk that he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. Romero returns to the ring for the first time since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, Romero won an interim title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 27-year-old followed that victory up with a pair of impressive knockout triumphs, dominating slick contender Avery Sparrow with a seventh-round stoppage in January 2021 before dropping former title challenger Anthony Yigit three times on his way to another seventh-round stoppage in July 2021.

“I’m excited to become a world champion on May 13,” said Romero. “Everyone knows what I bring to the ring. It’s gonna be an entertaining show. I hope Puello comes in 100%, because I ready to show that I’m an elite fighter in this division.”

A native of Havana, Cuba now fighting out of Las Vegas, Barthelemy (29-2-1, 15 KOs) returns after a defeat to Gary Antuanne Russell last July in which many believed the referee waived off the fight prematurely. A world champion at 130 and 135 pounds, Barthelemy owns notable victories over Argenis Mendez, Antonio DeMarco, Mickey Bey and Denis Shafikov. His only other professional loss came in a 2018 140-pound championship rematch against Kiryl Relikh. Barthelemy comes from a fighting family, as he is the middle brother between the younger Leduan and the older Yan, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show against a young, hungry fighter like Omar Juarez,” said Barthelemy. “I want to thank everyone who put me in this position and made this fight happen. At this stage in my career, it’s about building my legacy, and that means getting a knockout on May 13. My hands will be flying when that bell rings.”

The 23-year-old Juarez (14-1, 5 KOs) enters the ring propelled by momentum gained from his efforts inside and outside the ring. He enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a June 2021 defeat to All Rivera, including 2022 victories over Ryan Karl in February and Austin Dulay in December. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism.

“This is the biggest fight of my life and I’m grateful to my team for making it happen,” said Juarez. “Rances brings a tremendous amount of experience to the ring, so I know that I have to make the proper adjustments as this fight goes on. I know if I win this fight, big doors will continue to open for me. So believe me when I say that I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. Most recently, Akhmedov lost a narrow split-decision to Puello in a vacant 140-pound title fight last August on SHOWTIME, with his only other blemish coming in a 2019 action-fight against Mario Barrios.

“I’m looking forward to my return to the ring this May,” said Akhmedov. “My goal has always been to win a world championship and I have faith in myself. The fans know that I’m always in exciting fights, and this matchup is going to be more of the same.”

The 29-year-old Sims (19-2-1, 7 KOs) is one of the hottest fighters in the 140-pound division and can move one step closer to a world title with a victory on May 13. Representing his native Chicago, Ill., Sims has won six-straight outings dating back to May 2018 including triumphs over then-unbeaten fighters Elvis Rodriguez and Keeshawn Williams in 2021. Most recently, Sims dispatched Rock Myrthil in the fifth-round of their December 2022 showdown.

“I’m really excited about this fight,” said Sims. “This is what I’ve been asking for and will bring the best out in me. I believe that Akhmedov won his last fight and should be champion right now. This is not gonna be an easy task, but I will prove that I belong with the big names in the 140-pound division.”

# # #

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

Orlando, FL (August 22, 2022) – Kenneth Sims Jr. captured the WBA Intercontinental junior welterweight championship with a dominant fifth round stoppage of Cristian Mino Sunday, August 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

Headlining EntroBox: Championship Boxing presented by Bally Sports Network and the Bally App, Sims Jr. showed he was the superior boxer from the opening bell.

The Chicago native enjoyed a significant height and reach advantage, peppering Mino with well-placed shots. The game Mino tried to close the gap and apply pressure but was dropped with a perfectly timed body shot. Mino was visibly hurt but made it back to his feet as the bell sounded to end the round.

Sensing his opponent was still hurt from the previous stanza, Sims Jr. dropped Mino again with a body shot before ending Mino’s night by scoring another knockdown via a left hook to the head.

Time of stoppage was 1:07.

Sims Jr. improved to 18-2-1 with 6 KO’s. Mino, of Buenos Aires Argentina, slips to 22-6-2 (17 KO’s).

Sims Jr. is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

“We’re excited with the action from all the fights tonight for both the fans in the seats and cross the nation,” said Ron Johnson, CEO of EntroBox. “Our main event fighter, Kenny Sims Jr. showed the world with pure talent and precision that he earned the WBA Intercontinental belt. This is another championship fight for EntroBox’s archives as we move forward to showcase talent and champions on our platform.”

Velazquez is now 5-0 with 5 knockouts

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Boxlab Promotions

In the co-featured bout of the evening, fast rising junior welterweight Orestes Velazquez dismantled Argentina’s Emaliano Garcia in three rounds.

Hailing from Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, FL, the heavy-handed Velazquez decked Garcia in round two and twice more in the third, putting Garcia out of commission at 2:38 of round three.

Velazquez improves to 5-0 (5 KO’s) while Garcia falls to 17-8-1 (13 KO’s).

Kevin Hayler Brown following an impressive pro debut

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Boxlab Promotions

Welterweight Kevin Hayler Brown looked sensational in his pro debut, stopping former world champion Jose Alfaro in less than two rounds.

One of the world’s top amateur fighters prior to turning pro, Brown is from Cuba but defected in early 2022. Now fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, Brown displayed a high-octane attack that Alfaro was unable to keep up with. In round two, Brown cornered Alfaro and unleashed a powerful combo that sent the former champ down.

Alfaro, who’d taken a ton of clean punches through a round and a half, was unable to continue and Referee Gene Del Bianco stopped the contest at 2:04 of the second.

“We were extremely confident in Kevin coming into this fight,” said Amaury Piedra of Boxlab Promotions. “With his amateur pedigree and boxing skills, we had no issue matching him with somebody like Alfaro, who was a world champion. Orestes was sensational as well and at only 5-0, he’s not far off from facing a top 15-25 junior welterweight.”

Brown and Velazquez are co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

Hometown hero Derrick “Diesel” Jackson of Orlando battered late replacement Marklin Bailey in a junior middleweight contest.

Jackson, 9-0 (5 KO’s), was the much stronger fighter and overwhelmed Bailey. Jackson buzzed his Durham, NC based foe in rounds one and two but Bailey showed tremendous heart, never backing down. In round three, Jackson continued to overpower Bailey and dropped him hard with a combination that ended his night at 1:09.

“Derrick looked great and I give a ton of credit to Bailey for coming in as a late replacement,” said Piedra. “He’s now 9-0 and is very mature for a 20-year-old. Derrick’s fully dedicated to the sport and the sky is the limit.”

The card was promoted by Boxlab Promotions in Association with American Dream Presents.

About EntroBox™

EntroBox is an entertainment and sports industry company that unleashes the value of entertainers and amateur/pro athletes. EntroBox’s unique approach and professional status in the sporting industry allows them to execute across a diverse landscape. EntroBox is launching the next evolution in boxing’s DNA, while providing a pathway for other sports to connect and monetize to the ever-changing digital world. EntroBox is bridging viewership from network tv to the metaverse.

About Caribe Royale™

A four diamond resort, the Caribe Royale is a 1,388 room resort that provides a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages. Amenities include a spa, five restaurants, kid’s splashpad and playground, a two-story fitness center and a large outdoor pool featuring a 75 foot waterside. Fully re-imagined and renovated with over $127m in improvements and expansion Caribe Royale is the premier all suite hotel in Orlando.

Roseland, NJ (August 21, 2022) — Tonight at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, junior welterweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr. takes on Cristian Ruben Mino in a 10-round bout for the WBA Intercontinental Super Lightweight title.

The fight can be seen live on the Bally Sports Network and Bally Sports App at 7 PM ET.

Sims, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions comes into the fight with a record of 17-2-1 with five knockouts.

Sims of Chicago is on a four-fight winning streak, which was highlighted by a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1). He followed that up with a win over previously undefeated Keyshawn Williams (8-0-1) on Christmas Day in Newark, New Jersey.

Earlier in his career, Sims has wins over Jonathan Dinong (5-1) and Emanuel Robles (15-1-1).

Mino of Buenos Aries, Argentina is 22-5-2 with 17 knockouts.

The 25 year-old Mino has wins over Diego Marocchi (11-0), Gaston Rios (5-0-1), Alexis Quintana (4-1). Mino has won two straight, with the latest being a unanimous decision over Carlos Farias on June 25th.

“I am treating this like the biggest fight of my life,” said Sims.

“I have been around people that I can learn from. I am making sure my body and nutrition is good and training hard.”

“I don’t to know much about Mino. I have seen some stuff on YouTube. He seems aggressive. He is a pretty good fighter with a good record.

“I have been training with guys like (undefeated fighters) Troy Isley, Duke Ragan and Bruce Carrington. We give each other confidence.”

“I have confidence fighting against anybody. I feel that I am one the best in the division. The division is open for someone to take it over

“Kenneth is turning into the fighter that I knew he could be. He has shown so much determination to get back to where he is now. He has always had major ability, and with a win against Mino, he will be in position in the WBA to move through the rankings.  With a victory, I think He will get a big fight on a PBC Platform by December.” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

Sims is managed by Kevin Smalls and Ed Burns.

Sims weighed in at 139.6 lbs. Mino was 136 lbs.

Orlando, FL (August 3, 2022) – Junior welterweight rising star Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. will face Christian “Piedrita” Mino in the main event of a Bally Sports Presents: Entrobox Championship Boxing card Sunday, August 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions in association with American Dream Presents. Tickets from $45 are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 4 pm and the first bout begins at 5.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Sims Jr.’s outstanding professional record is 17-2-1 with 5 wins coming by knockout. Promoted by GH3 Promotions, Sims Jr. is coming off consecutive victories against unbeaten opponents, handing Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1) and Keeshawn Williams (8-0-1) their first professional defeats. He also battled top rated contender Montana Love to a draw in 2018.

Representing the fighting city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mino is 22-5-2 with 17 KO’s. The heavy-handed 25-year-old battled various world class foes including Alfredo Santiago, Juan Manuel Lopez, Nestor Bravo and Ruben Torres among others.

Sims Jr.-Mino is scheduled for 10 rounds and is for the WBA Continental junior welterweight championship.

In the co-featured bout of the evening, junior welterweight phenom Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez challenges Emiliano Martin Garcia in a ten round contest.

Born and raised in Cuba but now residing in Miami, FL, Velazquez is 4-0 with all of his victories coming by knockout. On May 7, Velazquez stopped former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado in less than two rounds.

Known as “Pac Man,” Garcia is 17-7 as a pro and 13 of his wins came via knockout. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Garcia’s battled many quality fighters including, Harold Calderon, Nestor Bravo, Otar Eranosyan, Denys Berinchyk and Reynaldo Ojeda.

Blue chip welterweight prospect Kevin Hayler Brown makes his highly anticipated pro debut against former world champion Jose Alfaro in an eight round welterweight matchup.

One of the world’s top amateur boxers, Brown won the Cuban National Championship in 2019 and defeated legendary Roniel Iglesais in the finals. Brown defected Cuba in early 2022 for the opportunity to begin his pro career in the United States.

Hailing from Nagarote, Nicaragua, Alfaro’s fought all over the world against some of boxing’s best. In 2007, Alfaro won the WBA lightweight championship by outpointing Pantan Narongwet in Germany but lost his first title defense against Yusuke Korobi in his native Japan. He’s faced Erik Morales and Humberto Soto in Mexico, Jason Pagara in the Philippines, and Cesar Cuneca in Argentina.

“This is a unique televised boxing card,” said Ron Johnson, CEO of American Dream Presents. “Kenneth Sims Jr. is on a roll and earned his way into contention at 140 pounds. Orestes Velazquez appears to be on the fast track to a world title and seeing an exceptional talent in Kevin Brown not only make his pro debut in an eight rounder but doing so against a former world champion is unheard of!”

The Sims Jr.-Mino, Velazquez-Garcia and Brown-Alfaro bouts will be televised on Bally Sports Network and the Bally Sports app live at 7 PM ET.

Derrick “Diesel” Jackson of Orlando takes on his toughest foe to date when he meets Damian Bonelli of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a six round junior middleweight matchup.

Jackson, 8-0 (4 KO’s), is coming off a second round knockout of Jesus Silva on May 21 at the Caribe Royale and is only 20-years-old.

Bonelli, 24-11 (20 KO’s), most recently dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Yamaguchi Falcao in an entertaining fight seen on Bally Sports Network.

The talent-rich undercard features former US Olympian Antonio Vargas, unbeaten cruiserweight knockout artist Adrian Pinheiro, junior middleweight Jeovanny Estela, super featherweight Malik Warren, super featherweight Dorian Mark Khan Jr. and junior welterweight David Lopez in separate bouts.

Lopez, Khan Jr. and Warren are promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

“On Behalf of the Caribe Royale Hotel and Boxlab Promotions, we’re excited to once again bring championship boxing to Central Florida” said Amaury Piedra, of Boxlab Promotions “The goal is always to provide the best fight night atmosphere and quality bouts for the fans in attendance and those watching on the Bally Sports Network. We’re proud of our association with Entrobox and Bally Sports. We look forward to continuing to growing stars of the present and future.”

A four diamond resort, the Caribe Royale is a 1,388 room resort that provides a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages. Amenities include a spa, five restaurants, kid’s splashpad and playground, a two-story fitness center and a large outdoor pool featuring a 75 foot waterside. Fully re-imagined and renovated with over $127m in improvements and expansion Caribe Royale is the premier all suite hotel in Orlando.

Vito Milenicki Jr. stopped Nicholas Delomba in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.

Mielnicki dominated the fight, and in round 10 landed a hard right that rocked Delomba. Mielnicki hurt Delomba some more with a follow up flurry, and the corner stopped the bout at 1:49.

Mielnicki Jr., 146.4 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 10-1 with seven knockouts. Delomba, 145.4 lbs of Providence, RI is 16-4.

In a rematch, Rajon Chance won a six-round split decision over Elon De Jesus in a featherweight fight.

Chance, 125 lbs of East Orange, NJ won by scores of 59-55 and 58-58 and is now 6-0-1. De Jesus, 123.8 lbs of Dunkirk, NY took a card 58-56 and is now 3-1-1.

Yoelvis Gomez remained perfect with an opening round stoppage over Clay Collard in their six-round super welterweight fight.

Minutes into the fight, Gomez hurt Collard with a hard left. Gomez put Collard on the canvas after landing 12 hard shots. Gomez continued the onslaught that forced a referee stoppage at 2:11.

Gomez, 157.4 lbs of Havana, CUB is 5-0 with five knockouts. Collard, 158.8 lbs of Burley, ID is 9-6-3.

Joey Spencer stopped Limberth Ponce in round six of their eight-round super welterweight fight.

In round six, Spencer landed a hard right that hurt Ponce. Spencer then landed a huge left-right combination that sent Ponce crumbling down over his right leg, and the bout was stopped at 1:24.

Spencer, 156.4 lbs of Lindin, MI is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Ponce, 155.6 lbs of Acapulco, MEX is 18-5.

Kenneth Sims Jr. won a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Keshawn Williams in a welterweight bout.

Sims, 145.8 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 17-2-1. Williams, 146.4 lbs of Washington, DC us 8-1-1.

Travon Marshall stopped Brian Jones in round four of their four-round super welterweight fight.

Marshall dominated the fight until the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round three.

Marshall, 149.6 lbs of Landover, MD is 4-0 with three knockouts. Jones, 148.8 lbs of Clarksville, TX is 15-13.

Michael Anderson scored a 3rd round stoppage over Noe Lopez in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Anderson dropped Lopez with a big right. Seconds later, it was a double-hook that sent Lopez down for the 10-count at 33 seconds.

Anderson, 147 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 22-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Lopez, 146.6 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-5-1.

NEWARK, N.J. (December 24, 2021) – Welterweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr. will take on undefeated prospect Keeshawn Williams in an eight-round showdown that tops FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 25 as part of a jam-packed Christmas Day lineup from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The FS1 telecast will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten super welterweight prospect Travon Marshall (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four/six-round fight against Brian Jones (15-12, 9 KOs), plus a six-round welterweight duel between Newark’s Michael Anderson (21-3-1, 15 KOs) and Mexico’s Noe Lopez (10-4-1, 4 KOs).

Following the FS1 telecast, FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with welterweight prospect and New Jersey-native Vito Mielnicki Jr. taking on Nicholas DeLomba in the 10-round main event. The broadcast will also see sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer battling Mexico’s Limberth Ponce for eight-rounds of middleweight action in the co-main event, plus featherweights Rajon Chance and Elon de Jesus duel in a six-round rematch, and unbeaten super welterweight prospect Yoelvis Gomez faces Clay Collard in a six-round attraction.

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

The 27-year-old Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since a career-best victory in May saw him earn a decision over the previously unbeaten Elvis Rodriguez. A Chicago-native, Sims has won four of his last five fights dating back to a 2018 draw against Montana Love.

Fighting out of his native Washington, D.C., Williams (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will look to close out 2021 with a second victory after defeating Antonio Sanchez by unanimous decision in August. The 24-year-old had previously beaten Gaku Takahashi in January 2020 as part of a seven-bout winning streak dating back to a split-draw in his second pro fight.

The non-televised undercard will also include Malik Nelson (1-0, 1 KO) facing Prince Martin (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super bantamweight contest. Rounding out the lineup are three fighters making their pro debuts as welterweight Dwyke Flemmings takes on George Gethers (0-2) in a four-round fight, super lightweight Elijah Flores steps in for a four-round attraction against Shannon Hawkins (0-2) and welterweight Vincent Gigante competes in a four-round duel against Robbie Rose (0-1).

#

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Follow all the action as Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez meet for the undisputed junior welterweight world title.  The fights begin at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with two more junior welterweight fights featuring Jose Zepeda battling Hank Lundy; Elvis Rodriguez taking on Kenneth Sims Jr.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Good body shot from Taylor..Left to body from Ramirez…Another body shot..Straight left from Taylor..Nice Body shot after Taylor lands a right..

Round 2 Right from Ramirez..Left to body from Taylor…Lead left..Jab…Double jab from Ramirez…Let to the body..Good uppercut

Round 3 Straight rigt and left hook from Ramirez…Right..uppercut..aylor working on the inside..uppercut…Good straight left..Ramirez lands 2 good righs to the body..Left..Combination..

Round 4 Left from Taylor..Body from Ramirez…Left..Straight right..Hard Body shot from Taylor….Ramirez fighting back

Round 5 Taylor cut around the left eye..Body shot from Ramirez….Rights to the body…Lead left from Taylor…

Round 6 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…Left hook from Ramirez….Lead right…Good body shot from Taylor…Good left…

Round 7 Double left hands to body from Ramirez….UPPERERCUT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…

Round 8 Uppercut from Taylor

Round 9 Right from Ramirez…Good right..Taylor gets in a left….Uppercut ..Right from Ramirez

Round 10 Left from Taylor…Hard right from Ramirez..Counter left from Taylor

Round 11 Counter left from Taylor…Ramirez lands a combination on the ropes..

Round 12 Left hook from Ramirez…Left from Taylor…Good right from Ramirez…

114-112 ON ALL CARDS FOR JOSH TAYLOR

Round 1
Round 2 Left t the body from Zepeda…Another…right to the body..Left to body…Left
Round 3 Good left from Lundy
Round 4 Left from Zepeda
Round 5 Left from Zepeda..Good left from Lundy
Round 6 Counter left from Zepeda
Round 7 Right hook from Zepeda…
Round 8 Left from Zepeda
Round 9 Left from Lundy
Round 10 Combination from Zepeda…Right to the body

98-92 on all cards for ZEPEDA

Round 1:
Round 2: Left from Rodriguez..Good right from Sims..Another right
Round 3 Left from Rodriguez
Round 4 Good straight left from Rodriguez…Right from Sims..Jab from Rodriguez
Round 5
Round 6 Left hook from Sims…1-2 from Rodriguez…Right from Sims..Check hook from Rodriguez
Round 7 Sims working on the inside and lands a uppercut,,2 rights…body..Right from Rodriguez..Redness around right eye of Right eye and his bleeding from the mouth
Round 8 Right hook from Rodriguez…Combination

76-76; 78-74 TWICE FOR KENENTH SIMS JR.

LAS VEGAS – No dispute.

Josh Taylor made sure of it, knocking down Jose Ramirez twice enroute to winning all of the pieces to the junior-welterweight title with unanimous decision Saturday night in front of a small crowd at Virgin Hotels and an ESPN audience.

 The judges scored it the same way. It was 114-112 — once, twice, three times — all for Taylor. The margin was only two points, a nod perhaps to Ramirez’ toughness. But the difference between the two was clear, indisputable. There was no argument. No need for a rematch.

Taylor moved toward an even bigger date, perhaps with leading pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford at a heavier weight, welter. But there were no lingering questions Saturday about who he was. There’s not a better 140-pound fighter on this planet or any other.

“I have been waiting for this moment all my life,’’ he said to a crowd of fellow Scots who chanted his name and waved the Scottish flag.

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) seized the moment midway through the fight with all of his advertised guile and power. He had promised to knock out Ramirez (26-1, 12 KOs). But that was the only promise he didn’t keep. He knocked put everything else, including some early doubt.  

Ramirez was first to enter the ring, wearing a robe in bright colors and dark shoes. Taylor followed, clad in Scottish tartan and a waistband in gold. It was a clash of culture. A clash of colors. A clash of styles.

After a couple of days marked by escalating trash talk, they had finally arrived at the moment when they would communicate with hands bound in white gloves and loaded with dark intent.  

Ramirez was the first to strike. For three plus rounds, he moved forward throwing right hand leads with his first step toward Taylor. It appeared to surprise Taylor. For few moments, the Scotsman looked uncertain, even dazed. But he would recover, adjust and mount the fight’s second and third strikes.

Late in the fourth and throughout the fifth, Taylor seemed to regain his footing and eventually the momentum. He imposed his will, if not his superior height on Ramirez, moving forward in much the same way that Ramirez had in the earlier rounds.

In the sixth, Taylor caught, a left-handed counter that landed on Ramirez’ chin and dropped him onto the canvas. In the seventh, Taylor struck again, this time in the split second after referee Kenny Bayless separated them. Bayless stepped back from the break and Taylor fired a left uppercut.

Ramirez was back on the canvas, down for a second time. He got up. But the spring in that first forward step was gone.

Suddenly, Taylor looked bigger.

Looked stronger.

Looked to be in control.

He was.

“We used his aggression against him,’’ Taylor said. “No disrespect. I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.”

Ramirez wasn’t finished after the knockdowns. He never is. He carried on the fight with the resilience that has been a trademark to his career and his character. In the eleventh, an incoming Ramirez appeared to stun Taylor, who fell into him and then hung onto him. But it wasn’t enough and Taylor knew it. He waved a gloved right hand at the crowd, limited to 750 people by COVID protocol, as he walked to his corner after the eleventh.

One more round, and there would be no dispute.  

“I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.

“I thought the scorecards were a little tight. I thought they were well wider than that. I wasn’t too happy with the selection of the judges, but I wasn’t going to moan. I was confident in winning this fight anyway.”

Ramirez said, “He took advantage of some of those clinches but, hey, I got back up and tried to give it my best and stay smart. I was never hurt. I was aware. I was just disappointed every time it happened. I tried to shake it off and get back to my rhythm. But it was overall a good fight. Hopefully, I get back and I learn from my mistakes. You win some and you lose some. 

“I felt like I landed some clean shots. It came down to the clinches. He would let his hands go as soon as he got his chance and I think I left it to the referee to do his part and it was a lack of experience on my part.”

Zepeda Decisions Lundy

Jose Zepeda didn’t have much time to celebrate. He won with precise punches. Then, he went back to work as a hopeful observer.

Zepeda (34-2, 26 KOs) kept himself in line for a junior-welterweight title with a unanimous decision, 98–92 on all three cards, over Hank Lundy (31-9-1, 14 KOs) Saturday in the Theater at Virgin Hotels.

Then, he took seat, hopeful for a shot at the winner of the next fight, Jose Ramirez-versus-Josh Taylor for all of the pieces to the 140-pound title. Zepeda, of Long Beach, Calif., looked solid against Lundy, a Philadelphia fighter. For 10 rounds, it was all business for Zepeda, who was coming off a wild Fight of the Year in October when he got up from four knockdowns to knock out Ivan Baranchyk. In 2019, he lost a majority decision to Ramirez.     

Sims Upsets Rodriguez via Majority Decision

The show began with an upset. Kenneth Sims Jr. scored it, opening the ESPN telecast for the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor bout with a stunner, a majority decision over junior-welterweight prospect Elvis Rodriquez at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels. Rodriguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, started strong. But he appeared to tire midway through the eight-rounder. Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs), began to catch up with him, rocking him with repeated blows and staggering him in the closing moments of a bout that ended with him leading on two cards, 78-74 on each. On the third, it was a draw, 76–76.  

Sims remarked, “I got a baby on the way, so that’s all the extra motivation I needed.” 

Mexican featherweight Jose Vivas overcame two knockdowns and a point reduction for a low blow to score a unanimous, yet narrow decision over Louie Coria of Moreno Valley, Calif. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) looked beaten in the third when Coria (12-5, 7 KOs) dropped him twice. But Rivas, a Manny Robles-trained fighter, came roaring back with an aggressive inside attack. Over the next five rounds, Vivas rocked him with repeated body blows. The judges noticed. All three scored it, 75-74, for him in the final fight on the ESPN+ portion of the Ramirez-Taylor card. 

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes (14-0, 7 KOs) relied on aggressiveness in a tough fight to stay unbeaten, scoring a 77-75, 78-74, 75-3 decision over Eduardo Garza (15-4-1, 8 KOs), a Texas fighter who kept it close with body punching throughout eight rounds of the fourth fight on Ramirez-Taylor card.  

Cuban featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (7-1, 4 KOs) combined precision and power to score repeatedly over six rounds for a one-sided decision over Ryan Allen (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas. Allen’s hands-down defense left him wide open for repeated blows from Ramirez throughout the third bout on the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor card.  

Raymond Muratalia (12-0 10 KOs), a lightweight from Fontana, Calif.,  had all the advantages. His strength, size and power overwhelmed Jose Gallegos (20-11, 15 KOs) midway through the fifth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. It was over, a TKO, at 1:40 of the round during the second fight on card featuring Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2021) — The most anticipated fight of the first half of 2021 now has some powerful backup.
 
Jose “Chon” Zepeda will battle Mexican veteran Pedro Campa in a 10-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, May 22, which will serve as the co-feature to the undisputed junior welterweight world title bout between WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez and IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor.

And, in a junior welterweight special attraction scheduled for eight rounds, top prospect Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez will take a seismic step up against Chicago native and one-time U.S. amateur standout Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr.

This junior welterweight tripleheader will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  Location, venue and ticket information will be announced shortly.

“The current and future stars of the junior welterweight division will be on display May 22,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jose Zepeda is one of the very best 140-pounders in the world, and he’ll have a chance to cement his status against a rugged Mexican in Pedro Campa. Elvis Rodriguez is a future world champion. Kenneth Sims Jr. is no pushover, but we believe this is the ideal next step as he continues his development.”
 
Zepeda (33-2, 26 KOs) is coming off last October’s fifth-round knockout over former world champion Ivan Baranchyk, the consensus 2020 Fight of the Year that featured eight total knockdowns culminating in the one-hitter quitter that ended the bout. A two-time world title challenger who pushed Jose Ramirez to a majority decision in their 2019 showdown, Zepeda is unbeaten in four fights since the Ramirez defeat, including a one-sided decision over two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza. Campa (32-1-1, 21 KOs), from Guaymas, Mexico, is 5-0-1 since the lone defeat of his career and most recently toppled veteran Carlos Cardenas by majority decision.
 
“I’m ready to go,” Zepeda said. After my Fight of the Year with Baranchyk, I’m better than ever. It’s only a matter of time before I become a world champion.”

The Freddie Roach-trained Rodriguez (11-0-1, 10 KOs), one of boxing’s elite young talents, went 5-0 inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, including four stoppages in three rounds or less. He went the distance for the first time in his career Feb. 20, topping Argentinian veteran Luis Alberto Veron by eight-round unanimous decision. Sims (15-2-1, 5 KOs), who lost to Jose Ramirez by one point at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, has sparred with the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Linares in the paid ranks. His defeats have come via close decisions to Rolando Chinea and Samuel Teah, but he has won two straight since the 2018 unanimous decision verdict to Teah. Against Rodriguez, he has the opportunity to flash the amateur pedigree that saw him defeat the likes of current contenders Lamont Roach Jr., O’Shaquie Foster and Albert Bell.
 
Rodriguez said, “I am happy and grateful for this opportunity, and I am going to make the most of it. It is a great step for my career, and I want to continue to show the boxing world that I have the talent to achieve great things.”
 
About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

PHILADELPHIA – Samuel Teah pulled an upset last November at the 2300 Arena that outshined any other during 2018. Teah defeated the favored Kenneth Sims, Jr. of Chicago (13-1-1, 4 KOs) with a convincing unanimous decision, and he did it on the nationally televised SHOBOX TV series to boot.

Although going into the fight, their records were in the same ballpark (Teah was 14-2-1), Sam was still rebounding from an earlier so-so performance on SHOBOX that had some – certainly Team Sims – thinking that Teah couldn’t perform at the next level. However, Teah surprised everyone and scored the best win of his five-year boxing career. For that feat, he earned his first Briscoe Award.

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM. Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

PHILADELPHIA (November 17, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight Jaron Ennis electrified his hometown crowd with a devastating second-round knockout of Raymond Serrano in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation in front of a standing-room only crowd at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Watch the knockout here: https://s.sho.com/2TlRIDm

The main event of the telecast – which featured five ShoBox veterans and three fighters who call Philadelphia home – did not last long. The battle-tested Serrano (24-6, 10 KOs), whose six professional losses have come against opponents with a combined fight night record of 111-1-1, proved to be no match for Ennis. The flashy southpaw with a deadly combination of speed and power scored three highlight reel knockdowns in round two, and capped off the night with an explosive uppercut to the jaw. The 21-year-old Ennis (22-0, 20 KOs) has now knocked out 12 consecutive opponents and has proven his worth as one of boxing’s brightest prospects.

“It was a good fight, I was just in there having fun,” said Ennis, who is trained by his father Bozy. “My dad said to start touching the body and that set up the big shots. That’s exactly what I did.

“I knew after the first knockdown, the fight was over. He’s a good fighter and it looks good to have his name on my resume. I’m ready for anybody in my division. I will knock any of them out.”

Ennis wouldn’t speculate if he was the best prospect in the U.S. “I don’t like to talk,” he said. “I do my talking in the ring.”

In the middle bout of the tripleheader, Philadelphia’s Sam Teah (14-2-1, 7 KOs) energized the hometown crowd by putting in a dominating performance en route to a unanimous decision (79-73 and 77-75 twice) over Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-2-1, 4 KOs). Click HERE for the highlights.

Cheered on by chants of his nickname “Tsunami”, the 31-year-old Teah utilized his jab and set the pace throughout the eight rounds. Executing a clever game plan, Teah beat the volume-punching Sims at his own game as he averaged nearly 86 punches per round to Sims’ 59. After an even first two rounds, Teah began to pull away, as he landed 164 punches to just 91 for Sims in rounds three through eight. Teah grew stronger throughout the fight, and put the contest out of question in the final two rounds as he out-landed Sims, 53-28.

“Oh my goodness, this feels great,” said an overjoyed Teah. “This is my biggest stage. I’ve fought on SHOWTIME several times but now I’m at home in front of my friends and family and the energy was amazing. Body shots and uppercuts; that was the game plan. I had more in my arsenal to show tonight. My head might look like an acorn by tomorrow, but it’s worth it.

“I’m asking for the biggest fights,” he continued. “This is what I asked for. Let’s level up and whatever’s biggest next, let’s do it.”

Unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., was in attendance at the jam-packed 2300 Arena and spoke to SHOWTIME’s Steve Farhood about his upcoming bout with Jason Welborn. Hurd returns to the ring to defend his IBF and WBA titles on the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV event on December 1 in Los Angeles in his first fight since undergoing rotator cuff surgery. Watch the interview here: https://s.sho.com/2Fti97o

In the telecast opener, undefeated Ukrainian prospect Arnold Khegai (14-0-1, 9 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact with a hotly contested unanimous decision win over New Brunswick, N.J. native Jorge Diaz (19-6-1, 10 KOs), who announced his retirement immediately following the fight. The judges scored the fight 79-72, 77-74 twice. Click HERE for highlights.

Khegai, known for his aggressive come-forward style, stayed true to his reputation by pressing the action early. Despite suffering a cut over his left eye after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round, Khegai was more accurate in all phases while Diaz’s activity made the fight competitive throughout the first five rounds. Khegai dazed Diaz in the fifth with a big left hook and followed it up by scoring the only knockdown of the fight in the sixth, landing a combination that forced Diaz to a knee. Tied at 122 total connects after seven rounds, Khegai clinched the fight with a huge eighth and final round where he landed 31 power punches to just 13 for Diaz.

“I’m very excited to get the win against a very uncomfortable fighter,” said Khegai through an interpreter. “He was tough and I had to stick to my game plan. He was doing different things and leaning in with his head. My main idea was to win the fight and I tried to get the knockout.

“I think I can fight a top 15 fighter next time and someday win a world title. Of course, it’s important to look good on SHOWTIME, but it’s even more important to have a good fight in America and to get the win. That’s what is most important.”

Diaz showed toughness and grit throughout the fight. “I am done. I am retiring,” he said. “I have so much more to do and accomplish in life. I gave it my all in rounds seven and eight. I got caught with a body shot in the last round and that’s when he jumped on me. I think he won because of the last round.”

Tonight’s tripleheader was promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions.

The full telecast will replay on Monday, November 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing analyst and historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 78 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

NUTLEY, NJ., (November 16, 2018) – Tonight at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Kenneth Sims, Jr. battles Samuel Teah in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation card live on Showtime® beginning at 9:35 ET / PT.

Sims of Chicago has a record of 13-1-1 with four knockouts, and will be making his 4th appearance on ShoBox. The 24 year-old is getting right back in the ring after winning a six-round unanimous decision over Andrew Rodgers on October 13th.

“Camp was great. I fought on October 13th and I never stopped training,” said Sims.

Sims feels he will start to come into his power as he has been focusing on strength and conditioning over his last three fights.

“I got a full training camp with my strength and conditioning coach Ed Jack. He also works with Andre Ward, Bryant Jennings and the Charlo brothers.”

Sims will be back on ShoBox for the second time this year. On July 20th, Sims fought to an entertaining draw against undefeated Montana Love in a fight that Sims and his team believes that the fight should have been scored in his favor.

“I will be even better then my last fight on ShoBox. Samuel Teah is a good fighter, but I really do not have much to say about him. I am happy to be back on ShoBox. I am improved from my last performance, and I will show the world that I am better.”

Said Sims promoter, Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions:

“Kenny has been active over the past four months. This will be his third bout, and he is just 24 years-old. Some people still don’t realize that because he was a touted amateur, and he has appeared on this platform so many times. I think we will see a stronger Kenneth Sims on Friday, and he will start to realize the promise that many including myself had for him as he was coming up in the pro ranks.”

Sims weighed in at 139 pounds at Thursday’s weigh in.

PHILADELPHIA (November 15, 2018) – One of boxing’s top prospects, undefeated welterweight Jaron Ennis and veteran Raymond Serrano made weight just a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event that headlines a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (9:35 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The 21-year-old Ennis (21-0, 19 KOs) returns for his second ShoBox challenge of 2018 against Serrano (24-5, 10 KOs) in a battle of Philadelphia fighters facing off in their hometown.

The three-fight telecast features five ShoBox veterans and three fighters who call Philadelphia home. In the co-feature, a pair of ShoBox veterans meet when Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1, 4 KOs) takes on Philadelphia’s Samuel Teah (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Also on the card, undefeated Ukrainian Arnold Khegai (13-0-1, 9 KOs) faces New Jersey’s Jorge Diaz (19-5-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at 2300arena.com and hardhittingpromotions.com.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Jaron Ennis – 145 pounds – Ramond Serrano 146 3/4
Kennthe Sims Jr. 139 – Samuel Teah 130 3/4
Arnold Khegai 121 3/4 – Jorge Diaz 121 3.4

Undercard weights beginning at 6:30 PM ET

Branden Pizarro 137 1/2 lbs – Jerome Rodriguez 140 lbs
Gadwin Rosa 129 3/4 lbs – German Meraz 128 1/2
Kieran Hooks 149 1/4 lbs – Gledwin Ortiz 149 1/2
Christian Tapia 134 1/2 – Darnell Pettis 133 1/2
Benny Sinakin 171 3/4 lbs – Darren Gibbs 172 1/2
David Stevens 193 1/4 – Judd Brown 188 3/4

** NOTE: Referees and judges for the three televised fights have yet to be determined.

FINAL QUOTES:

JARON ENNIS

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of my hometown fans. There is going to be a packed-house and I’m so excited for this fight. Some fighters don’t like the pressure of fighting in front of their own people, but I can’t wait to show out. I will definitely have no trouble getting up for this fight.

“A Philly fighter is a different kind of fighter. A Philly fighter is going to bring it to you and show off their abilities. I feel like we are the best fighters. There’s a lot of pride in being from here. I get to put on for Philly and show SHOWTIME and the world my talents. Philly fighters always come to fight.

“I don’t know too much about Serrano. I never worry about my opponent or watch tape or anything. We don’t prepare for one guy, we mix it up in the gym because you never know how the guy is going to fight on fight night. We prepare for everything.

“He thinks he has more experience than me. No, he doesn’t. I grew up in this sport. I’ve been in the gym since I was in a jumper. I’ve seen it all. I got to see my brothers fight growing up. I’ve sparred pros since I was 12-years-old. They always say I don’t have the experience and I’ve never fought anybody. We’ll see. There’s nothing this guy can do.

“I’m just going to keep winning and knocking guys out until I get to the point where I can fight a contender. I’m ready right now, but I know I have to be patient. I’m only 21-years-old, so I have time but we’re ready right now.

“This fight is definitely going to be something different, I promise you that it’s not lasting long. I’m so focused, I’m ready to rock and roll. I can’t wait.”

RAYMOND SERRANO:

“Right now, I feel like I’m in a position where I can compete against any of the top guys. I fought Alex Saucedo, and honestly, I thought I won that fight. I believe after that fight, it took me to another level. My confidence grew and I knew that I could compete with anybody.

“I feel comfortable going forward and putting pressure on. If I have to box, I can box too. I feel comfortable being on the inside now, and it hasn’t always been that way.

“I’ve been in the position where I’ve been fighting undefeated guys. Everybody is against me but I love that. He’s the one with all the pressure, he has to prove that he’s as good as everybody says he is. He’s never seen anybody like me. Everybody he’s fought recently, I beat them years ago.

“Ennis looks good. He’s a strong fighter that’s coming to fight but so will I. I think this will be a good fight. My last fight, I was fighting the best fight of my career before it had to be stopped. I went into [Gerome] Quigley’s hometown and I was winning that fight.

“There’s going to be a lot of people in the crowd that want to see me lose. Ennis is the hot prospect with all the fans, but I think I may switch some people’s opinion. Beating Ennis will put me in the position to fight anybody.

“His chin has never been tested. I’ve never seen him uncomfortable in any fight, it’s all been pretty easy for him. I will test him.”

KENNETH SIMS JR.:

“I’m really disappointed to be 1-1-1- on ShoBox. I feel like I should be 2-1, I should have won the fight I drew. But I do think the loss was a really good learning experience, and I needed it. It really helped me learn more about myself and what I need to do better. There’s always more to learn.

“I need to get physically stronger. I’m working on my strength and conditioning right now. When I fought Montana [Love], I only had been training with my new strength and conditioning coach for three weeks. Now, I’ve had the full camp with him. I’m learning more about my body and how important rest is and not to just always push myself too hard.

“When I transitioned to being a pro, I really needed to learn how to relax. When I first fought on TV, I put so much pressure on myself to perform and there was a lot of expectations.

“Every fight is a fight that I need to impress in. Every fight, I want to show something different. I’m known for my speed, but I feel like I haven’t shown all of my skills onShoBox yet.

“I feel like Teah is going to try to press me. I don’t think he’s going to realize how strong I really am. I just want to make him work, and I don’t want to give him any down time. I don’t want to let him rest.

“I just really like fighting. When I was younger, my dad had to remind me that I’m a boxer, and I’m good at boxing. But I couldn’t help it, I just wanted to fight. Now, I’ve realized that I need to be a boxer.

“I’m always active. Even when I’m not training, I stay in the gym and I spar once a week. Training in Houston has been great, being around other professionals that are trying to do the same thing as me is great for my development. I train with O’Shaquie Foster, we’ve known each other since we were little and we really push each other in the gym.

“I watched him fight Montana [Love], and I watched him fight O’Shaquie. I think he’s a good fighter, but I want to make him doubt himself right from the beginning.”

SAM TEAH:

“I was under the weather my last fight. I don’t want to make excuses, but my inactivity lost that fight not what he did. I was fighting very conservatively, instead of just putting everything on the line. I was too worried about tiring myself out and that was one of the key factors in deciding that fight. I’m one hundred percent for this fight and it will be a different story.

“I feel like this is my biggest stage yet. I’ve fought in Vegas, but this is as big as it gets for me. Everybody that knows me and has followed my career will either be here at the arena or watching on TV.

“I watched him fight live once here in Philadelphia. I’ve seen him box and I’ve seen him brawl and try to be the matador. He’s a great fighter, he’s very versatile. I don’t think he has great power, but he can box. I think his stamina might be an issue. He works at a very high rate, but I know he can’t keep that pace for the entire fight. The pace will drop after a couple rounds, and then it will become a more technical fight.

“He can watch all the tape on me that he wants, he’s never seen the type of performance he’s going to get tomorrow night. You guys will see the real Tsunami.”

ARNOLD KHEGAI:

“I was nervous my first fight on ShoBox, but all the nerves are gone, this time I’m going to show what I’m really about.

“In my last fight, I just wanted to show that I could outbox somebody in America. That’s what I did, and now I’m really going to show what I’m all about.

“It’s a totally different level in the U.S. The fighters are much stronger than in Moscow. It’s also much more professional with all of the medical treatment and the facilities. I think it will help me that I’ve already fought here in the U.S., I know exactly what to expect and I know what the atmosphere will be like.

“I only know that Diaz fought Adam Lopez, the same opponent that I had. I’ve watched him a little bit, and I see this as a war. I think we’re going to brawl with each other, and it will be a really interesting fight.

“If I win this fight in style, then either the next fight or the one after I think I’ll be in position to fight a real contender.”

JORGE DIAZ:

“I haven’t fought in a year, but I’ll be as sharp as I’ve ever been tomorrow night. I’ve been in the gym training non-stop, and I’ve gotten my nutrition and my training right. We’ve been very rigorous with our nutrition, in terms of what we put in our body. I’m ready to go.

“I used to be just a fighter. I didn’t know about the Sweet Science of boxing and about what separates the good boxers from the great ones: rhythm, distance and timing. It’s not about who runs the fastest, otherwise lions and tigers would be running the world. It’s about your intelligence. And that’s what I needed to learn and what I have finally figured out.

“Arnold [Khegai] is in over his head. I’ve watched tape. He’s a basic fighter. He comes forward. He doesn’t know how to box moving backwards. He doesn’t know anything about rhythm, distance and timing. We’re going to outbox him, but it’s going to look aggressive.

“This is the most important fight of my life. This guy is standing between me and everything that I want. He’s standing between me and the well-being of my family and all of my dreams.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 78 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PHILADELPHIA — October 26, 2018 — A bevy of prospects will be on display as part of the non-televised undercard of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, November 16 at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Highly-touted junior welterweight Branden Pizarro will see action in an eight-round bout as he takes on Jerome Rodriguez.

The 19-year-old Pizarro, of Philadelphia, is a two-year professional with a record of 12-1 with six knockouts. One of the top amateurs in the country before turning professional, Pizarro has a knockout win over Abdiel Padilla. In his last bout, Pizarro stopped 30-fight veteran Justin Johnson in two rounds on October 6 at The 2300 Arena.

Rodriguez, of Allentown, Penn., has a record of 7-10-3 with two knockouts. The 32 year-old has big wins over Tre’Sean Wiggins (3-0) and world-ranked Avery Sparrow (4-0). Rodriguez, who has fought 10 undefeated opponents, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Jeremy Cuevas on October 6 at The 2300 Arena.

In a six-round bout, Gadwyn Rosa (8-0, 7 KOs) of Ocala, Fla., will take on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

In four-round non-televised bouts:

Kieran Hooks (3-1-1, 1 KO), of Philadelphia, takes on Gledwin Ortiz (5-2-1, 4 KOs) of Bronx, N.Y. in a super welterweight bout;

Christian Tapia (6-0, 5 KOs), of Coamao, PR, will take on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

Benny Sinakin (1-0), of Philadelphia, takes on an opponent to be named in a light heavyweight bout.

Angel Pizarro (4-0, 3 KOs), of Philadelphia, will take on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

Former top-amateur standout, David Stevens, of Reading, Penn, will make his pro debut in a cruiserweight bout.

In the previously announced main event, highly touted unbeaten welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis will square off against 11-year professional Raymond Serrano in a Philadelphia vs. Philadelphia 10-round bout in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
In the co-feature, a pair of ShoBox veterans meet when Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1, 4 KOs) takes on Philadelphia’s Samuel Teah of Hard Hitting Promotions (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout. Also on the card, undefeated Ukrainian Arnold Khegai (13-0-1, 9 KOs) faces New Jersey’s Jorge Diaz (19-5-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions are priced $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at 2300arena.com and hardhittingpromotions.com.

NEW YORK — October 24, 2018 — Highly touted unbeaten welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis will square off against 11-year professional Raymond Serrano in a Philadelphia vs. Philadelphia 10-round bout in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, November 16 live on SHOWTIME® at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Ennis (21-0, 19 KOs) has knocked out 11 consecutive opponents including a third-round stoppage of Armando Alvarez in his ShoBox debut in July (Click HERE for video). The 21-year-old Ennis, who compiled an amateur record of 58-3 and was the 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion before turning professional in 2016, faces a stern test in fellow Philadelphia native Raymond Serrano (24-5, 10 KOs), a 29-fight veteran who’s five losses have come against opponents with a combined record of 89-1-1 at the time of their meeting.

The three-fight telecast features five ShoBox veterans and three fighters who call Philadelphia home. In the co-feature, a pair of ShoBox veterans meet when Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1, 4 KOs) takes on Philadelphia’s Samuel Teah (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Also on the card, undefeated Ukrainian Arnold Khegai (13-0-1, 9 KOs) faces New Jersey’s Jorge Diaz (19-5-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions are priced $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at 2300arena.com and hardhittingpromotions.com.

Ennis returns to ShoBox for his second consecutive fight following a statement third-round knockout of then-unbeaten welterweight prospect Armando Alvarez in July. Making a name for himself in Philadelphia with his power and come-forward mentality, Ennis has scored 11 consecutive KO victories including two at 2300 Arena. A standout amateur who was ranked No. 1 at 141 pounds and won the 2015 National Golden Gloves tournament, Ennis narrowly missed the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics after losing a box-off to Gary Antuanne Russell at the Olympic Trials.

“Serrano is just another opponent on my way to my ultimate goal – a world championship,” said Ennis. “I am focused and I’m just going to keep working hard until I am able to accomplish that main goal. I can’t wait to display my talent once again on ShoBox.”

The 21-year-old Ennis currently trains under his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah, both ShoBox veterans.

The 29-year-old Serrano turned professional in 2007 and rattled off 18 consecutive wins to start his career. Serrano, who will appear on ShoBox for the first time since his 2013 meeting with Emmanuel Taylor, will face his third consecutive unbeaten opponent after a No Contest against Gerome Quigley Jr. and a unanimous decision loss to 22-year-old welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins. Serrano, also from Philadelphia, had an impressive amateur career, winning the national and international Junior Olympic tournaments in 2005 and the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves in 2006.

“I am excited – this is Philly vs. Philly,” said Serrano. “We are two of the best welterweights going at it. I believe my experience with my new trainer Shadeed Saluki will help me in this fight and I do not think he has been in the ring with anyone like me. I am excited to be on ShoBox because the world will see my talents. With a win, this will lead me to even bigger fights.”

Sims, a Chicago native, returns to ShoBox after his action-packed split-draw with unbeaten prospect Montana Love in July. Sims suffered the first and only loss of his career against Rolando Chinea via close majority decision on ShoBox a year prior but got back to his winning ways with a unanimous decision over Andrew Rodgers on October 13. The 24-year-old, who has sparred with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, was a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist.

“I am ready to fight,” said Sims. “I just fought on October 13 and got right back in the gym, so I am already in good shape. Teah is a good fighter but he is nothing special and certainly nothing that I haven’t seen before. I am happy to be back on ShoBox. I know they liked my last fight because it showed that I am only getting better and better every fight.”

Teah, born in Liberia and fighting out of Philadelphia, has had mixed luck on ShoBox. A two-fight veteran of the developmental series, Teah scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated O’Shaquie Foster in 2015 but dropped a majority decision to Montana Love in February, an opponent who Sims Jr. drew with. Teah, who did not start boxing until the age of 19, scored an impressive first-round knockout of Zach Ramsey his last time out in August at 2300 Arena.

“I will be ready to fight come November 16,” said Teah. “I have seen Kenneth Sims fight. He is fast and was a good amateur. He just fought a draw against the last fighter who beat me, Montana Love. I am excited about fighting him and I am also excited to be on ShoBox. I always face a higher level of opposition when I am on and ShoBox is always a great showcase.”

The aggressive, come-forward Khegai made his U.S. debut at the 2300 Arena on ShoBox in May, registering the most impressive result of his career with a unanimous decision over Adam Lopez. The undefeated Khegai, who is a former Ukraine national amateur champion and two-time world champion in Thai boxing, made the switch to professional boxing in 2015 and has since compiled a near-perfect record while competing mostly in Russia. Born to Korean parents in Lymanske, Ukraine, the all-action Khegai will make his second ShoBox appearance in search of another statement win.

“I am excited to be fighting in the U.S. on SHOWTIME,” said Khegai. “I look forward to putting on a memorable performance and cementing myself as a top name in the division. November 16 can’t come soon enough!”

Jorge Diaz Jr., from New Brunswick, New Jersey, is coming off a significant victory over then once-beaten Adam Lopez, an opponent Khegai also beat via decision. The 31-year-old Diaz, who last fought in November 2017, also boasts impressive victories over Olympic gold-medalist Yan Barthelemy and former title challengers Alejandro Lopez and Emmanuel Lucero. Diaz’s five professional losses have come against opponents that hold a combined record of 88-1-4.

“I feel very confident,” said Diaz. “My opponent is a good fighter, who is strong, aggressive, and throws sharp punches but I will be in tip-top shape. This is a very important fight for me. I have this great opportunity, so I will be dedicated and will give my best effort.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 78 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

CHICAGO, IL., (October 11, 2018) – Junior Welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. will be back in action this Saturday night when he takes on Andrew Rodgers in a six-round bout at The McBride Hall in Gary, Indiana.

Sims of nearby Chicago will be back in the ring for the first time since taking an eight-round split decision over previously undefeated Montana Love on July 20th in a bout that was nationally televised on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

Sims (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been working in Houston, Texas with some top-notch sparring partners, which will help him go forward in his career.

“My camp was great. It was a full camp with my strength and conditioning coach. I got great sparring with O’Shaquie Foster, Regis Prograis, and Taras Shelestyuk,” said Sims.

In Rodgers, Sims is taking on an unheralded opponent in what most a terming a “stay busy fight.”

“I really do not know much about him. I am taking this fight as it is close to home. I have been fighting in different places, so this is a good opportunity for my family and fans to see me fight.”

After being injured for the better part of the last year, Sims is looking to stay active at the end of the 2018 and into 2019.

“I hope to have another fight before the end of the year. It doesn’t matter if it another fight like this or something more significant. It all depends on the situation.”

Sims, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @KennethSimsJr