CARSON, CALIF. – March 6, 2023 – Undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis “The Twist” Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at axs.com.

“Sebastian Fundora has established himself as one of boxing’s must-see attractions, as he brings an all-action demeanor every time he steps into the ring, combined with an ability to end a fight at any time,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Coming off a career-best win, Brian Mendoza will be highly motivated to slow down Fundora’s momentum, which should make for great action at the always electric Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Adding in another action-fighter in Brandun Lee taking on Pedro Campa, and a pair of unbeaten featherweights in the TV opener, and April 8 lines up to be another memorable night on SHOWTIME.”

Fundora (20-0-1, 13 KOs) has rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division with a fan-friendly style and bruising toughness in the ring. At 6-foot-6, the unbeaten 25-year-old southpaw from Coachella, Calif., towers over his opponents, but has displayed an appetite for toe-to-toe combat from short range. Fundora showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. Fundora returned last October at Dignity Health Sports Park, dominating the streaking Carlos Ocampo to win a wide unanimous decision.

“I’m well-prepared for this matchup,” said Fundora. “I’m training hard, as usual, and I’m ready to put on a great show for the fans in Carson all over again. We expect a great fight from Mendoza. I hope he brings his best so that we can give the fans their money’s worth. Every single fight is important, so we’re going in there to win and get to where I want to be, and that’s world champion of the 154-pound division.”

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mendoza (21-2, 15 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas and will return to 154 pounds after knocking out former unified champion Jeison Rosario in the fifth-round of their middleweight clash in November. The 29-year-old, who trains under the tutelage of renowned trainer Ismael Salas, has won back-to-back fights after taking highly touted knockout artist Jesus Ramos the 10-round distance in a losing decision in September 2021. Mendoza also owns a 10-round unanimous decision triumph over Thomas LaManna in August 2020 and began his career with eighteen consecutive victories.

“I have another big opportunity in front of me on April 8,” said Mendoza. “Just like in my last fight, I’m embracing the role of underdog so I can shock the world. I’m not satisfied with just fighting for a world title, I’m going to keep working day after day until I walk out of the ring with that belt wrapped around my waist. Sleep on me at your own risk, because I’m coming for everything.”

La Quinta, California’s Lee (27-0, 23 KOs) has stopped 16 of his last 18 opponents, including a four-round destruction of Diego Luque in January. The 23-year-old has also shown his boxing acumen in winning a pair of 10-round decisions in 2022, besting Zachary Ochoa in April and Will Madera in August. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee was also an accomplished amateur, going an estimated 195 amateur fights with only five losses and capturing gold at the prestigious 2015 U.S. Junior National Championships at 145 pounds.

“This is my first co-main event, so it’s important for me to go and show the boxing world who Brandun Lee is and where I belong in the division,” said Lee. “Pedro Campa is a true Mexican veteran who can take a punch but also give one, so I have to be alert at all times. The fans can expect an explosive performance from me. I’m looking forward to performing in front of my family and friends but most importantly, I’m looking forward to being under those bright lights on April 8.”

The 31-year-old Campa (34-2-1, 23 KOs) had an eight-fight unbeaten streak snapped in his last outing, as he dropped an August 2022 showdown against former world champion Teofimo Lopez. A native of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, Campa stopped eight of his first nine opponents after turning pro in 2011 and owns an impressive stateside win over Aaron Herrera in 2015. Campa stopped previously unbeaten fighters Abimel Bautista and Carlos Valadez in back-to-back contests to earn the fight against Lopez.

“I’m very motivated to be on a great card like this,” said Campa. “I’ve seen a little bit of Brandun Lee and I have a good idea of what I need to do to win this fight. I’m ready to face the best version of Lee and show that I have the experience and strength to come out victorious. My plan is to have my hand raised on April 8 and give the people in my hometown of Guaymas something to celebrate.”

After piling up an 85-5 amateur record, Núñez (18-0, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2018 and has shown impressive skill in amassing his unbeaten pro resume. Fighting out of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Núñez made his U.S. debut in September 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Jayvon Garnett on SHOBOX: The New Generation^® and followed up that performance by taking down another undefeated fighter, as he stopped Carlos Arrieta in the 10^th round of their January showdown, also on SHOBOX^®. Núñez made it three unbeatens in a row in May 2022, as he won a unanimous decision over Jonathan Fierro, before most recently stopping Renson Robles last December.

“I’m very thankful to be back for another opportunity on SHOWTIME,” said Núñez. “I’m coming to represent my people of the Dominican Republic as a proud warrior. Olivo is an excellent fighter and this will be a tough fight, but my experience, my strength and my skills will twist things my way.”

A native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Olivo (20-0-1, 7 KOs) will be making his U.S. debut when he steps into the ring on April 8. The 24-year-old turned pro as a teenager in December 2017 and has steadily racked up wins since a split-draw in his sixth pro fight. Olivo added two wins to his ledger in 2022, sweeping a pair of fights on all three judges’ scorecards each time out. His most recent triumph saw him earn a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Carlos Jaquez last September.

“I’m thrilled to be making my U.S. debut on such a big stage,” said Olivo. “I’m thankful to my team for giving me this chance. I believe that our styles will make a great fight and that in the end, the fans will be the winners. I’m going to give everything I have in the ring to make the public remember my name. I’m going up against a great fighter, but I’m ready for this challenge.”

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GLENDALE, Ariz. —David Benavidez was looking for a challenge. He didn’t get one. David Lemieux never had a chance.

Benavidez continued to show why he ranks as perhaps the most avoided fighter in boxing since Antonio Margarito.

He’s feared, more feared now than he was before he walked through a roaring crowd at Gila River Arena, up the steps and through the ropes. Fear came in combos, all more reasons to avoid the unbeaten super-middleweight.

The deadly delivery in a Showtime blowout Saturday night included early body punches. Then, there was a lethal uppercut, the first of what was an incoming storm.

One after another, he left Lemieux bloodied, dazed and defenseless. At the end of the first, Lemieux slumped along the ropes. In the second, Benavidez knocked the Canadian through the ropes with a blinding succession of punches.

Early in the third, it was over. At 1:31 of the round, it was stopped. Lemieux was led to his corner and placed on his stool, looking like an accident victim. He showed courage. But it was futile, if not foolish.

Above all, it was another reason to be wary of the Phoenix fighter, especially if you’re Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo. Nobody knows what Canelo Alvarez plans to do next. He plans to choose between a rematch with Dmitry Bivol or a third fight with Gennadiy Golovkin in September.

“I’m waiting for them to sign the contract,’’ Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) said in the immediate aftermath of the carnage. “Them bitches know what’s up.”

A beating is up, if Saturday night is a reliable guide. Lemieux (43-5, 36 KOs), a former middleweight champion, was overmatched in every way. He was just too small. Yet, his evident courage and world-class experience indicated he might have a chance.

But he didn’t, a warning sign to all the super-middleweight champions and contenders.

“I think we can make some of those fights — Plant or Charlo or David Morrell — happen, maybe by the end of the year,’’ Benavidez said during the post-fight news conference.

With the victory, Benavidez won the World Boxing Council’s so-called interim title. It could be significant, but that depends on Canelo. It’s supposed to lead to a mandatory shot at the WBC’s real title, which Canelo still holds.

But a mandatory shot at Canelo is an illusion, according to Benavidez promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.

“Forget Canelo,” Lewkowicz said. “Plant, Morrell and Charlo are the ones we’re talking about. Canelo isn’t going to fight Benavidez.

“He’s never going to fight the world’s real super-middleweight champion.’’

Yoelvis Gomez, Dominates, wins one-sided Decision

Yoelvis Gomez fled Havana and escaped to Guatemala on a raft. It was a perilous journey. Gomez had only his will, wits and fast hands.The wit and will are still there.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – May 17, 2022 – Rising Dominican prospect Luis “The Twist” Núñez will battle fellow unbeaten Jonathan Fierro in the 10-round featherweight telecast opener live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 21 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast is headlined by unbeaten two-time world champion and Arizona-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez returning to fight in his home state for the second-straight bout as he takes on former world champion David Lemieux for the vacant Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features hard-hitting Cuban prospect Yoelvis Gómez taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com at the link HERE.

The non-televised undercard will see former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (32-7-3, 25 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight attraction against Todd Manuel (20-19-1, 6 KOs) and Mayweather Promotions’ rising unbeaten super lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins (13-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Mexico’s Angel Rodriguez (12-10-3, 5 KOs).

A trio of Arizona-based prospects will also compete on the undercard, as super featherweight and Mesa-native Jesus Abel Ibarra (13-0, 6 KOs) steps in for a six-round contest against Mexico’s Moises Flores (25-6-1, 17 KOs), Glendale’s own Elijah Garcia (10-0, 9 KOs) competes in a six-round middleweight affair battling California’s Rowdy Montgomery (7-3-1, 5 KOs), while Mesa’s Micky Scala (5-0, 3 KOs), an intriguing prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, enters the ring facing Iowa’s Mike Plazola (2-1, 1 KO) for six rounds of super welterweight action.

Rounding out the lineup is welterweight Estevan Villalobos (15-1-1, 11 KOs) going up against Houston’s Christon Edwards (13-3, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout, lightweight prospect Julio Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round duel, and the pro debut of Chavon Stillwell taking on Brent Oren (4-8, 1 KO) for a six-round super middleweight showdown.

After piling up an 85-5 amateur record, Núñez (16-0, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2018 and racked up knockouts in eight of his first nine outings. Fighting out of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Núñez made his U.S. debut in September 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Jayvon Garnett on SHOBOX: The New Generation®. The 22-year-old followed up that performance by taking down another undefeated fighter, as he stopped Carlos Arrieta in the 10th round of their January showdown, also on SHOBOX®.

“Not many fighters get the opportunities that have been given to me,” said Núñez. “I feel blessed and grateful to be in this position. It was a great honor to fight on SHOWTIME in my last fight and I’m thankful to my whole team for being put on this platform. I’m going to make the most of this chance that I have. The best is yet to come!”

The 18-year-old Fierro (13-0, 12 KOs) made his U.S. debut in Arizona last November, as he stopped Victor Ruiz in the first round. A native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Fierro most recently knocked out the previously unbeaten Daniel Bailey in March. A pro since late 2019, Fierro scored knockouts in his first seven fights before winning an eight-round unanimous decision in April 2021.

“First of all I want to thank everyone that has made this great opportunity possible for me,” said Fierro. “This is a dream come true and I can’t wait to get in the ring. I am training extremely hard to be at my best and show everyone what I’m capable of. Luis Núñez is a great fighter, but come May 21, he will know what it is to fight a true Mexican style warrior.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. LEMIEUX
Benavídez vs. Lemieux will see unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez look to thrill the fans in his home state once again when he takes on former world champion David Lemieux in a 12-round showdown for the vacant Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title headlining live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 21 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see hard-hitting Cuban prospect Yoelvis Gómez taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, plus rising Dominican prospect Luis “The Twist” Núñez battles fellow unbeaten Jonathan Fierro in the 10-round featherweight telecast opener.

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.

HOUSTON – May 4, 2022 – Undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo will hold a Juneteenth celebration in his hometown for the second-straight year when he steps into the ring to face tough former title challenger Maciej Sulecki on Saturday, June 18 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Center in Houston in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on Mike Plania in the 10-round co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles Panama’s power-punching Ricardo Núñez in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) returns to fight in his hometown of Houston for the fifth time in his career, having most recently earned an entertaining unanimous decision win there over Juan Montiel last June on SHOWTIME. The 31-year-old scored an impressive unanimous decision triumph over top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in their September 2020 showdown and owns a 7-0 record since moving up to middleweight in 2017. A two-division world champion, Charlo also strung together an impressive run at 154-pounds, capturing the IBF title in 2015 and piling up victories over champions Austin Trout, Cornelius Bundrage and Julian Williams, whom he floored three times on his way to a memorable fifth-round knockout.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring in front of my people in Houston and put on a great show fighting on Juneteenth weekend once again,” said Charlo. “I’m ready to handle my business and give everyone what they’re coming out to see. Sulecki is a tough fighter who’s going to come in hungry. But I’m fighting for something bigger and I won’t be stopped from delivering a special performance on June 18.”

A native of Warsaw, Poland, Sulecki (30-2, 11 KOs) trains in Chicago, Ill. with his new co-trainer and longtime Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara. He will look to earn his third straight victory on June 18. The 32-year-old has never been stopped and has won four of his last five fights, including a unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado that earned him the title shot against Demetrius Andrade that he would eventually lose by decision. Sulecki has fought professionally since 2010 and has also scored notable victories in defeating former titleholder Jack Culcay in 2017 and knocking out then undefeated Hugo Centeno Jr. in 2016.

“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I feel strong and ready to get in the ring,” said Sulecki. “Charlo is a great champion and I respect what he can do, but I don’t think he’s any better than the best fighters I’ve faced before. I think I am the stronger fighter mentally and physically. I don’t think he’s a killer. He hasn’t even been able to stop his last two opponents. I’ve fought as the underdog in my opponent’s hometown, so I’m not worried about fighting in Houston at all. We have a huge community of Polish fans in the U.S. and I know they’ll be there supporting me on June 18.”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (19-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January 2021 to capture the interim WBA title on SHOWTIME. Aleem dominated in a battle of unbeatens, dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, Nev., Aleem, 31, had stopped his past seven opponents inside the distance before most recently earning a decision victory over Eduardo Baez in November 2021.

“The time is now to take that next step in my career toward a world title shot and I know that a win against a tough opponent like Mike Plania will put me in that position,” said Aleem. “I’ve been waiting patiently for my opportunity to show everyone why I’m the best super bantamweight in the world. I’m grateful to my team for believing in me and my ability to bring excitement on the big stage. I’m never in a boring fight and you will see the best of me come June 18. I’m going to let my hands fly and do the talking.”

The 25-year-old Plania (26-1, 13 KOs) dropped Joshua Greer twice in their June 2020 clash on his way to a career-best decision victory, which he followed up in April 2021 by defeating Emmanuel Mogawa before stopping Ricardo Nunez in November. A native of General Santos City in the Philippines, Plania has put together a 11-fight winning streak since a 2018 decision loss against former champion Juan Carlos Payano. Plania has fought professionally since 2014, with five of his last six outings taking place stateside.

“Ever since I beat Joshua Greer to put myself in the world rankings, I have been looking for an opportunity to fight the best at 122 pounds to secure a world title shot,” said Plania. “June 18 is that time and by beating Ra’eese Aleem, I will show everyone I deserve to fight for the title. I want to thank my whole team for putting me in this position and I can’t wait to get in there and show what I’m capable of.”

The 27-year-old Martin (15-0, 11 KOs) rose up the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before most recently delivering a New Year’s Day KO over Romero Duno. In 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance in April, before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. Originally from Indianapolis, Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of top trainer James alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’ve been training hard in Dallas and I’m just excited and ready to go,” said Martin. “Núñez is a boxer-puncher, so I expect him to mix it up with some fast combinations and to try and throw my movement off, but I’ll be ready for all of that. Fight fans are going to enjoy an action fight with this one. We’ve got the speed, power and athleticism to put on an exciting show on June 18.”

Representing La Chorrera, Panama, Núñez (23-3, 21 KOs) enters this fight with knockout victories in his last two fights, including most recently stopping Richard Solano in the first round in October 2021. The 28-year-old moved back up to lightweight for those two victories after challenging three-division champion Gervonta Davis in July 2019 for a 130-pound title. Núñez has fought professionally since 2010 and has a brother also named Ricardo who is a veteran pro fighter in the featherweight division.

“I’m very happy to be back in a big fight on June 18,” said Núñez. “You’re going to see a whole new fighter against Martin. I’m coming to fight and impose my style on my opponent. Martin is a good boxer who’s made it to a high level, but he still has to show what he’s made of. I’m going to give one hundred percent to stop his rise and be the first person to beat him.”

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Luis Nunez stopped Carlos Arrieta the 10th and final round in a scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

In round three, Arrieta was starting to swell under the left eye.

In round nine, Nunez hurt Arrieta with a right hand and followed up with a hard flurry that rocked Arrieta, and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Nunez, 128 1/4 lbs of Nagua, DR is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Nunez, 129 1/4 lbs of Truillo Alto, PR is 14-1.

“The plan was to work the body and to break him down and that’s what we did,” Nunez said. “I saw the right hand was landing and I kept throwing it and trying to set him up for it and attacking until we got what we wanted in the final round. It was a great shot and great win for my career. It’s the way I wanted to close the fight.”

“I thought it was a quick stoppage,” Arrieta said. “I was a little stunned, but I could have continued. I didn’t want the fight to be stopped. He was a strong fighter, a true warrior. He’s a very good fighter and was very effective with the right hand.”

Nuñez said he is ready to go back down to 126 pounds after contesting his first professional fight in the 130-pound super featherweight division. “I fought for most of my career at 122 so 126 is where I belong,” he said. “I felt strong at this weight [super featherweight] but 126 is the weight for me.”

He added: “I knew he was a tough fighter and I’m not surprised the fight went as it did. He came to fight, and we gave the fans a good fight.”

Eranosyan Decisions Castillo

Otar Eranosyan won an eight-round unanimous decision over Starling Castillo in a lightweight bout.

Eraosyan dropped Castillo twice in round one. The first was a counter right. The second came from a huge left that hurt Castillo, and a follow up combination sent him to the canvas.

Eranosyan landed 153 of 605 punches; Castillo was 102 of 430.

Eranosyan, 135 lbs of The Georgia Republic, won by scores of 79-71 and 80-70 twice and is now 11-0. Castillo, 135 lbs of Dominican Republic is 16-1.

“We work on the left hook in training and when the opening presented itself I landed the left hook on the (first) knockdown,” said Eranosyan, ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 130 pounds, who fought six times in 2021. “It’s fine that he got up. This is pro boxing. We train for 12 rounds, 10 rounds, eight rounds, however long it takes we will be there.

“I feel great about my performance. This is why I train like I do and fight as hard as I do for nights like these.”

“I’m ready for all the champions. Bring them on,” Eranosyan said. “Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez, I’m ready for all of them. I’m getting better and better each fight and I’m ready now to face the best. I know that with more performances like these, soon I will be champion of the world.”

Foster Decisions De Los Santos

In a battle of undefeated junior lightweights,. William Foster III won an eight-round split decision over Edwin De Los Santos.

It was a sloppy fight with a lot of holding on the inside, mostly be De Los Santos.

In round four, De Los Santos was deducted a point for holding the head. De Los Santos was also cut over the left eye in the round. Foster was able to create space and land solid shots in the second half of the fight, and won by 77-74 twice, while De Los Santos won a card 77-74.

De Los Santos landed 125 of 421 Punches; Foster was 117 of 488.

Foster, 129 1/4 lbs of West Haven, CT is now 14-0. De Los Santos, 129 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 13-1.

“I was pressuring him the whole time and I knew he was slowing down and eventually I would get to him,” said Foster, who kept moving forward as the fight progressed and dictated and landed the more powerful punches. “I thought it was the right decision because I was landing more shots as the fight went on.”

The 28-year-old Foster – the younger brother of 20-0 professional light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster – was surprised with how fast De Los Santos started. “I knew I had to stay calm, and I adapted and my experience allowed me to adjust to what was happening,” Foster said. “He wasn’t devastating, and the punches never hurt me. I knew he would slow down and when he did, I began to land my shots and had success with my pressure.”

Regarding the point deduction in the fourth, De Los Santos disagreed with the referee’s decision. “I didn’t think the point should have been deducted,” said De Los Santos, who had scored stoppages in his last seven fights. “I thought I should have been warned first.

“I thought it was a close fight, but I thought I did enough to earn the victory. I was landing the harder shots throughout and he never hurt me.”

Added De Los Santos: “He was a little awkward and he came with a little more than we thought he would, but I still thought I won. He was aggressive and maybe I slowed down a little as the fight went on, but I still thought I was landing. This is a setback but I’ll learn from this and come back better.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – January 6, 2021 – Exciting rising prospect Luis Nuñez (15-0, 11 KOs) and fellow undefeated power-puncher Carlos Arrieta (14-0, 8 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round super featherweight main event on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, January 7, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The co-feature pits hard-hitting Starling Castillo (16-0, 12 KOs) against ShoBox returnee Otar Eranosyan (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, knockout artist Edwin De Los Santos (13-0, 12 KOs) battles William Foster III (13-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Luis Nuñez – 128 ¼ pounds

Carlos Arrieta – 129 ¼ pounds

Referee: Frank Gentile; Judges: Fredrick Fluty, Erik Larsen, Alexander Levin

Lightweight Eight-Round Bout

Starling Castillo – 134 ¾ pounds

Otar Eranosyan – 135 pounds

Referee: Christopher Young; Judges: Fredrick Fluty, Erik Larsen, Efrain Lebron

Super Featherweight Eight-Round Bout

Edwin De Los Santos – 129 pounds

William Foster III – 129 ½ pounds

Referee: Frank Gentile; Judges: Erik Larsen, Alexander Levin, Efrain Lebron

Note: All refs and judges reside in Florida.

FINAL QUOTES:

Luis Nuñez

“I was first given the nickname ‘Explosive’ by my manager, but due to so many fighters having this nickname, we wanted to find a different nickname. That’s when Sampson came with the nickname ‘The Twist’ and he played the music and showed me the video, and that’s where it all started. Honestly, I’m not sure what my opponent will think when he sees me doing the twist. Maybe he will think I’m a dancer, or he’ll take it as a joke. But it doesn’t bother me what my opponent thinks about me.

“From my understanding, Chubby Checker [who originated The Twist] was good friends with Sampson [Lewkowicz]. When I saw the dance, it’s something that stuck with me. So, I want to represent the name ‘The Twist,’ and I want to make it big. It’s really an old song from the 1960s, but I’m going to bring more light to it and bring it back.

“I’m excited to go toe-to-toe with Arrieta and to give a good fight for the viewers. I do understand that my opponent is very experienced and a very good fighter, but I’m preparing to come out victorious. We’re going to analyze, fight, punch, and if a knockout comes, it comes.

“I want to thank [Chris] Colbert for giving me the opportunity to spar with him. I really appreciated the opportunity. I liked the session because Colbert is a classy fighter and sparring with him helped me prepare for this fight. Even though he’s from a heavier division, we were going at it.

“I know I had the opportunity to finish Jayvon Garnett in the later rounds in my last fight, but I didn’t feel comfortable moving forward in that moment because my main focus was to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes and lose.”

 Carlos Arrieta

“I’m the type of fighter that adjusts based on my opponent. I can box and I can bang. I’ll adjust to my opponent and fight whichever way I need to. It depends on their style. But I am a fighter that likes to get into wars. My best quality is my speed but I do have enough power to hurt my opponent.

“I’m expecting a great battle with Nuñez. I hope that he’s ready so that we can put on a good show and a spectacle for the fans. I’m ready for whatever Nuñez brings, but if he starts slow and doesn’t wake up, he’s going to have issues.

“As soon as I heard about this fight, I said yes. It’s a very important fight for me. I’m in the big leagues now. It’s an opportunity that I couldn’t let go by.

“It’s true that I haven’t been in the ring in over a year, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been in the gym. I’ve been training non-stop and I’m always in the gym.

“My team has a game plan for how to counter Nuñez’s skills so I am not worrying about that. I have a great team and trust the plan, and I will go out there and put that plan into action.

“On paper, Nuñez is my best opponent to date because he has a great record and is undefeated. I think he just as hungry as I am. But I fought against Ricardo ‘El Matematico’ Nuñez in a really difficult fight. I was cut in that fight and he was a really tough opponent too.

“That fight against ‘El Matematico’ and going through that adversity of being cut matured me. It really helped build my confidence and mature as a fighter. He was a heavy puncher and I was able to withstand his power.”

Starling Castillo

“I have trained for any situation that will appear in the ring. I don’t like talking ahead too much. I will see how his style is once I get into the ring.

“I can’t say whether he’s my toughest opponent. There’s no such thing as a bad rival. He’s there for a reason.

“I learned a lot in my last fight against Juan Carlos Burgos. He’s someone who had a lot of experience, so it was a good learning experience. I made a lot of errors in that fight. We studied the fight and have corrected a lot of the errors that I made, so we learned a lot.”

Otar Eranosyan

“From my last fight on ShoBox, I learned that I can really put on a great show for the fans and for the viewers. But since that fight, I’ve been working a lot on my game. I’ve been trying to improve my leg movements and working on faster movements.

“My amateur career has really helped me. It’s all about the experience I gained. I had around 250 to 300 amateur fights and that gave me all sorts of experience. As a pro, I’ve been able to advance faster than a lot of other prospects because of this. I’ve been able to face tougher opposition earlier in my career because I have the skillset.

“Castillo will be different from my previous opponents because he is a southpaw and he’s taller. He fights a more defensive style than ‘Pork Chop’ [Alejandro Guerrero], who was very offensive. So that created a fight where we went all-in on each other.

“From this point on, I will not have any easy fights. Everything will be very hard. With a win, I will be one step closer to fighting for a world title and of course eventually I want to win the title. I’m 28 years old and I am ready to take on the champions now.

“It doesn’t make any difference to me that I’m on the B-side. I’m not offended in any way. My last fight, I was also the B-side. I don’t feel there’s any difference. I just go out into the ring, do my job and perform how I always do.”

Edwin De Los Santos

“My nickname ‘Grenade’ comes from the fact that when you throw a grenade, it explodes, and it makes a mess and that’s pretty much what my punches do.

“I’m prepared to go rounds, but whenever the opportunity arises and there’s a clean shot, I will go ahead with force. My power is natural. I’ve been knocking people out since I was a kid, despite their experience.

“The fight could go past two rounds, because of my opponent’s experience, but if I catch him that will be it for him.

“A win against Foster will take me to the next level. It’s a dream of mine to fight in the United States and a good performance will really make an impression in the eyes of the public and get my name out there.

“I know my opponent is a really good boxer and he goes in there to fight. We’re working hard as a team to come up with different techniques to take advantage of times when he launches himself and doesn’t cover up, but whatever happens, we can adapt to his way of fighting.”

William Foster III

“I don’t take any opponent lightly. De Los Santos seems like he’s a real good fighter. His resume speaks for itself. It’s impressive. But I’m going to give it my all.

“I’ve faced some really good opponents like Sulaiman Segawa and Donald Smith, but in my eyes, everyone has a flaw. I’m going to exploit his like I exploited the others.

“I’m taller than him. I’m faster. And I believe I’m more knowledgeable. That’s the biggest difference. I have more experience. I’ve fought more impressive opponents than him. Don’t get me wrong. His resume is nice but it’s against opponents that didn’t make him grow as a fighter as much as my opponents made me grow.

“I believe I’ve been tested. Segawa was a really tough fighter. He came to fight. We were throwing a lot of punches and it was a real brawl. He was throwing good combinations.

“This is the type of opportunity that I’ve been waiting for. For a long time. This is one step closer to my goal and to my dream. Which is to be the most dangerous fighter in the world. This will get me right where I want to be. This will be my message to the world that I’m ready to fight and I want to put my name out there and let everybody know who I am.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 85 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

Saul Sanchez scored a vicious opening round stoppage over previously undefeated Ja’Rico O’Quinn in a bantamweight bout in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

In round one, Sanchez landed a big left hook that put O’Quinn on the deck. Moments later, a straight right to the head put O’Quinn down again. O’Quinn was hurt and Sanchez was all over him by landing a hard right that was followed by a left hook and another filush right that crumpled O’Quinn on the ropes and the fight, and the fight was stopped at 1:58.

Sanchez, 117 3/4 lbs of Pacoina, CA is 16-1 with 10 knockouts. O’Quinn, 115 1/4 lbs of Detroit is 14-1-1.

“I just stayed calm and knew I had to work behind my jab but then I surprised him with my left hook and I saw that he got dropped and was hurt,” exclaimed the excited young prospect Sanchez. “That’s when I finished him. Honestly, I never envisioned the knockout that early. In the later rounds, yes. But not that early.

“This moment feels amazing. I made a big statement. He was undefeated and I was on the ‘B’ side. And now I move onto bigger and better things. I will fight anyone right now and I am going to work my way up to a world title. I want to fight again this year. I know I gained a few more fans tonight.”

“I could feel something was wrong in the dressing room,” said the 26-year-old O’Quinn. “I didn’t even feel like warming up. I knew something wasn’t right and I tried to work past it, but it was not my night. He did what he was supposed to do. He was just the better man tonight and I have no excuses. I will be back. This is a temporary setback.”

Nunez Decisions Garnett

Luis Nunez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jayvan Garnett in a featherweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Nunez landed 135 of 531 punches; Garnett was 97 of 428

Nunez, 125 1/2 lbs of Reading, PA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 12-0. Garnett, 125 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 10-1.

“It was a great performance and I agreed with the judges – I won every round,” said the rising prospect Nunez who made his ShoBox debut. “I feel like I had good defense and an attacking style. He was a good boxer but he never hurt me. I’m ready for whoever my promoter Sampson puts in front of me next.”

Eranosyan Decisions Guerrero

Otar Eranosyan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Guerrero in a junior lightweight bout.

Eranosyan landed 199 of 585 punches; Guerrero was 135 of 584.

Eranosyan, 130 lbs of Miami won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice, and is now 10-0. Guerrero, 129 1/4 lbs of Houston is 12-2.

“I am very happy,” said Eranosyan, who is ranked No. 9 by the WBA at 130 pounds and fought for the sixth time in 2021. “This was my first fight on SHOWTIME, but far from my last. I am the best in my division. I was never hurt, and I knew I had won. He was a good fighter, but I am Otar.”

“There are little things here and there I should have adjusted,” said the 23-year-old Guerrero, a celebrated amateur who won two junior national titles. “Styles make fights and this was one hell of a fight. The better man got the win today. It was a real close decision. I would have given it a draw, if anything. We were both catching each other with good shots. It was a fun fight.

IN OFF-TV ACTION

Russian middleweight Timur Kerefov (now 12-0, 6 KO) put in a workmanlike performance in outpointing Jamaica, Queens, New York’s determined but outgunned Devaun Lee (now 10-8-1, 5 KO) over 10 rounds in the chief untelevised supporting bout of tonight’s ‘Rumble in the Rose District’ event, a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader presented by Salita Promotions and held outside in downtown Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Kerfefov, now living and training in Detroit, stifled the offense of Lee by constantly turning him and working the angles. Lee never stopped trying, but the 298-12 former amateur star Kerefov had too many weapons and physical advantages in speed and strength to be bested.

A tough customer who knows all the tricks, Kerefov was warned several times for using his head but was not penalized. Lee never seemed hurt by any of the Russian’s shots but his frustration with not being able to catch the elusive Russian was evident.

The scores were a dominating 100-90 by all three judges.

Detroit-based middleweight Marlon Harrington (now 4-0, 3 KO) overcame the curse of the awkward but tough MMA opponent by pounding out a unanimous four-round decision over Herlong, California’s Justin Baesman (now 0-2).

Harrington had things all his way throughout but couldn’t find the right timing for a finishing shot. Basesman can take a punch and, to his credit, didn’t do much running or holding to run out the clock. Post-fight, he celebrated joyfully after having survived the full distance.

The scores were 40-36 by all three judges.

“Coming off a bicep injury, I felt pretty good early and then the layoff set in a bit,” said Harrington, post-fight. “Once I warmed up, I was ok. He was a tough guy and real awkward. He came to fight though. I hit him with shots that put other people to sleep.”

Harrington says having his KO streak ended was inevitable. “It’s bittersweet having the streak ended, but it had to happen eventually,” he said, “You can’t go your whole career knocking guys out and not getting hit back.”

Oxnard, California’s former world title challenger Hugo Centeno Jr. (28-3-1, 15 KO) kept active with a two-round TKO of Tennessee veteran Kenneth Council (11-5-1, 8 KO).

Centeno had a look at Council for a round and then unloaded his world-class skills in round two. Council was down once and taking a two-fisted pounding before the action was stopped at 2:52 of the second.
About Salita Promotions

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

Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.