PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2018) – Promising featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (13-0, 5 KOs) headlines a talent rich card from his hometown of Salinas, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Villa, 21, returns to the Salinas Storm House for the second time this year. The talented southpaw faces Mexico’s Miguel Carrizoza (10-3, 2 KOs) in the 8-round “New Blood”main event.

Villa last fought from the Salinas Storm House in April, when he routed fellow prospect Marlon Olea in route to winning the vacant WBO Youth featherweight championship. It was Villa’s first title since turning professional in July 2016.

The two-time national Golden Gloves winner fights for the fifth time this year after registering six wins in 2017.

“It’s incredible how fast I’ve developed,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora and trained by Max Garcia. “It feels like it was yesterday that I was in four round fights and now I’m routinely headlining shows.”

The lefty, who sometimes conducts training camps in the sparring rich city of Riverside, Calif., decided to stay close to home for this fight. Him and his team have zeroed in on what is required to defeat Carrizoza.

“He fought my stablemate, Michael Dutchover [undefeated junior lightweight], last year so Mike gave me a pretty detailed scouting report on him,” Villa said. “He’s a bruiser. He likes to come forward and get you onto the ropes or just backpedaling. I know how to fight guys like that. I’ve fought against guys like that before and I’ve seen a bunch of them in previous training camps. We are really comfortable in our game plan.”

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $75, & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Drive in Salinas, CA 93907.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6 p.m.

All fights will be live streamed on our Facebook page.

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

TEMECULA, Calif., (September 28, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice will be looking for a more emphatic win when he takes on Zhora Hamazaryan in the co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation card that will take place tonight at Pechanga Resort & Casino and live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT).

Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) had to get off the deck to win a split decision on July 20th. Fans throughout the boxing world called for the rematch, and Mattice obliged as he has been working hard to better his effort on Friday night.

“Camp was great, we worked very hard and I am ready for Friday night,” said Mattice.

Mattice doesn’t think he needs to make adjustments, as he will fight and use his ability to get the nod on Friday. “I just have to go in there and do my job.”

The 28 year-old from Cleveland doesn’t think anything that happened in the first fight means anything heading into the rematch.

“Every fight is different. It doesn’t matter if you are fighting the same opponent or not.
It was tight. Every round was tight in the first fight. It depends on how you look at it. I know 80 percent of the people watching think I lost. But there were rounds that I won. The only round he out-landed me was the second and seventh round.

“I didn’t give my best effort in the first fight. That’s why I decided to take the rematch. I didn’t have to take it, but I did. I’m not paid to judge fights; I fight them.”

He knows that Hamazaryan gave him a hard fight in the first encounter, but Mattice is confident that he will make it 2-for-2 against his Armenian opponent.

“He is a good fighter, but I am a great fighter. We have to get into the ring and fight. I prepared very hard for this opportunity. The first fight was exciting, and I expect nothing less than that, but once again, I will prevail.”

TEMECULA, Calif. (September 27, 2018) – Devin Haney and Juan Carlos Burgos made weight just a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event headlines a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. The 19-year-old Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) returns for his second ShoBox challenge of 2018 against the veteran Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs).

The much-anticipated rematch between Thomas Mattice and Zhora Hamazaryan will go on as an eight-round super lightweight bout as Mattice failed to make the contracted 135-pound lightweight limit. Cleveland’s Mattice, who battled the flu earlier in the week, said he was feeling 100 percent and ready to go on Thursday.

Two undefeated super middleweight prospects will meet in the opening bout as Cem Kilic (11-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles and DeAndre Ware (12-0-2, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, both weighed in at the same 167-½ pounds.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Ringside Tickets Inc., are priced at $19 for General Admission, and $29, $59, $79, $99, and $129 for Ringside and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Casino Box Office at 1-888-810-8871 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Lightweights 10-Round Bout
Devin Haney – 134 ¾ lbs.
Juan Carlos Burgos – 134 ½ lbs.
Referee: Zachary Young; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Super Lightweights 8-Round Bout
Thomas Mattice – 138 ½ lbs.
Zhora Hamaryan – 134 ½ lbs.
Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Super Middleweight 8-Round Bout
Cem Kilic – 167 ½ lbs.
DeAndre Ware – 167 ½ lbs.
Referee: Tony Krebs; Judges: Sergio Caiz (West Covina, Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Los Angeles, Calif.)

FINAL QUOTES:

DEVIN HANEY:
“I’m one of the best boxers in the game. I think most of my opponents know that when they get in the ring with me and that’s why they try to land their best shot as soon as the fight is on. They try, but they don’t touch me.

“When I fought Mason Menard, skeptics said I was over my head, that I didn’t stand a chance. And I got in the ring and I won. I outclassed him. Then, they started saying that Menard was not at his best, that he didn’t bring his ‘A’ game. I feel I don’t get the recognition I deserve. I work really hard. I love this sport and I give my all.

“I have been fighting at 132 since I was 16, now I’m at 135. It takes a lot of discipline. I have a great team that stands by me and helps me be the best version of myself.”

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:
“This is my second fight at 135. I feel good. I feel that I have evolved as a boxer since my last fight. I feel strong. I think it has to do with experience, after some time you just learn your lesson and move forward.

“I am very skilled boxer and after the Mikey [Garcia] fight I learned a lot about myself mentally and physically. I want to get another title shot and. I feel this fight is the right opportunity for me, because with this fight I’m planning to show the world I’m still an elite boxer.

“I don’t think Haney has fought a fighter with the experience I have. You can be talented but there are things you can’t teach. You only learn them with time. No matter how talented you are.”

THOMAS MATTICE:
“I’m recovering from the flu but now I’m 100 percent physically, and mentally I’m there too. I lost focus after the knockdown and never was able to get back on track.

“The cross country travel from New Jersey to California was tough, and we had some issues and I lost a few days because of things out of my control.

“It was tight. Every round was tight in the first fight. It depends on how you look at it. I know 80 percent of the people watching think I lost. But there were rounds that I won. The only round he out-landed me was the second and seventh round.

“I didn’t give my best effort in the first fight. That’s why I decided to take the rematch. I didn’t have to take it, but I did. I’m not paid to judge fights; I fight them.”

ZHORA HAMAZARYAN:
“I’m just going to pressure him and come forward. I can’t leave it in the judges’ hands. I know I have to be the aggressor, so it should only last three or four rounds.

“It was very unfair. I know I did everything in the books to look good, to have a clean fight, to win but the judges gave it to him. I was not happy.

“Once I get in the ring, I’ll break him down and I’ll make adjustments. He’s not going to win without deserving it again. I’ll make sure of that.”

CEM KILIC:
“When I came to the United States I struggled to find the right trainer. The right adjustment from what I was used to do in Germany and what I wanted to do here. Trainers in Germany are different. I tried a few trainers here and there and then, I found Buddy McGirt. I liked him right away, he’s old school and that’s exactly what I wanted.

“I’ve had very good sparring partners, not only for this fight, but also throughout my career. I’ve sparred with Jermell Charlo, Miguel Cotto, Errol Spence Jr. You make one mistake and you pay for it, that’s one of the thing I’ve learned – especially Charlo. He capitalizes on your mistakes. I think Spence was more difficult than Charlo. He just brings it. He’s so quick. He gave me a lot of confidence. He told me to keep it up because one day I’d be a world champion.

“Before I started boxing I admired Muhammad Ali. He loves Islam, the real Islam, the one is all about love. Then I started boxing and although dancing is not my style, Ali remained as my favorite fighter, my inspiration.

“I get in your face. I like to come forward. If I wanted to be a dancer, I’d be a dancer. I’m a boxer and you’ll see me doing that tomorrow. I’ll get in his face.

“Besides Charlo, I don’t know anyone that would stand in front of me and apply pressure. All the other fighters I’ve been in the ring with have to do combinations and move around. They can’t take it.”

DeANDRE WARE:
“I’m confident in my skills. I’ve been in the gym doing the things that I need to do, strength and conditioning, sparring. My confidence comes from my hard work and dedication. I know what I put in and I know what I’m capable of. I listen to my trainer, I’m disciplined. I’m all business.

“I took this fight with little notice but trust me, I’m ready. I know I’m the B side and all. And I know what that means: I have to do more than just box. I have to win the public, the judges, the people watching at home. I’m basically in my opponent’s hometown. I know what I’m in for. They are in for a surprise.

“I’m a firefighter. I work on Station 4 on Hill Avenue in Toledo. They support me 100 percent, they even built me a gym at the station so I can train there too. I was supposed to work tomorrow but someone is covering for me.”

# # #

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 77 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 / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2018) –Lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan wants to show the world that he is indeed better then undefeated Thomas Mattice when they meet in the rematch of their controversial July 21st bout, this Friday night in the co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation card from Pechanga Resort Casino, and live on SHOWTIME® (10 PM ET/PT).

Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) was on the wrong end of what most people thought was a very controversial decision on that July night in Sloan, Iowa. The native of Armenia has been in Los Angeles, training very hard for the rematch.

“Everything is perfect. My camp has been great, and I am just ready for Friday night,” said Hamazaryan.

Hamazaryan has been able to block out the first fight, and he believes that what happened in the ring has no bearing on what will happen on Friday.

“It is a totally new fight for me. I am taking this more seriously because this is a rematch. I did not lose the last fight, so it doesn’t make any difference to me. It will not change my game plan.”

The 22 year-old Hamazaryan feels the experience he gained in the first fight will be beneficial to him for even a more dominant performance.

“I feel like I am a champion. I will do great again, and perform even better. I took this fight to prove that I am better then him. I showed that in the previous fight, and now nothing can stop me.”

The decision was chastised throughout the boxing world, and even called the one of the worst decisions seen in ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood’s 40-year boxing career. Hamazaryan will not let the judges decide his fate in the rematch.

“Everyone was disappointed by decision because they saw clearly that I won. It was disappointing for the fans, but It did not break me. This time it won’t be a decision. I am going to do what I am good at. I will win this anyway, whether it’s a decision or knockout. Either way it’s going to be a beat down. Hopefully this will be the right the decision. I just hope everything will be fair, and I am coming for a win.”

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 26 2018) –Three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs) marks his return to national television when he meets rising talent Devin Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader Friday, Sept. 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Burgos, who has challenged for world titles at featherweight and junior lightweight, is stepping up to 135 lbs. for his fight against Haney. The Tijuana, Mex. resident boasts a far more impressive resume than the younger 19-year-old Haney, which he believes will be the difference maker on Friday night.

Burgos, 30, reflects on his past defeats and offers a preview of what might happen during Friday’s main event in a brief Q&A interview below.

What do you know about your opponent Devin Haney?

“He’s fought in Tijuana a bunch of times so I’ve seen him in person. I didn’t really pay that much attention to him at the time. He has ability. He’s hungry with good skills, but I don’t think he’s ready for a fighter like me. He’s too young and I’m an experienced fighter that knows how to win.”

How has your training camp gone?

“We’ve had an excellent training camp. We are training for the best possible outcome for us. Physically, I feel strong. Mentally I’m ready for whatever he brings. I’m going to show everyone that I still have a lot to give to this sport.”

What can a win do for your career?

“Winning this fight will lead to bigger fights. I want to be back in marquee fights and if I win, I should have more options. Even though I took some time off a few years ago, I never stopped training. I was always in the gym. There won’t be any ring rust. I love this sport. My focus is on winning.”

How do you see the fight unfolding?

“I’m a technical fighter. That’s not a secret. I can counter punch too if Haney wants to bring it. I’ll brush him back. I can win a fight in a lot of different ways. I’m not one dimensional like most of the guys he’s faced. I think that’s going to bother him. He’s never faced anyone close to my skill level. He thinks he’s good, but he has no idea how to win a tough fight. Meanwhile, I’ve been in with some of the best talent in the sport.”

You’ve had some setbacks in your world title fights. At 22, you suffered a points defeat to Hozumi Hasegawa in what was a vacant championship fight. You had a draw to Roman Martinez in January 2013, and one year later a unanimous decision loss to Mikey Garcia. What did you learn from those experiences?

“I didn’t accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion. That’s the truth to it. My motivation to be great still exists. I use my setbacks as motivation to get better. I need to get past Haney to realize my goals.”

The co-feature showcases an immediate rematch of one of 2018’s most controversial and widely disputed fights. Lightweights Thomas Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) and Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) will face off less than three months after judges in Iowa awarded Mattice what many ringside observers considered one of the worst decisions in recent memory.

Burgos and Hamazaryan are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Ringside Tickets Inc., priced $19 for General Admission, $29, $59, $79, $99, and $129 for Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Casino Box Office at 1-888-810-8871 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Phil Rivera

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2018) Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (11-0, 8 KOs) put on another impressive performance on Friday night, this time knocking out the bigger Bergman Aguilar (14-4-1, 4 KOs) in the fifth round of Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood”main event.

Dutchover, 20, used controlled body punching to end Aguilar’s night in the fifth round of a scheduled 8-round fight. The Midland, Texas native, who conducts training camp in Los Angeles, zeroed in on the body from the outset.

A pinpoint left hook to the body sent Aguilar to one knee in the fourth round. By the fifth, Dutchover had knockout on his mind.

“Once I started letting my hands go, that’s when things started opening up,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “In the third round I turned up the pace. By the fourth everything started to click. I rocked him with some body shots and got a knockdown. I knew he was getting tired. I knew my punches were wearing him out so I made the choice to take him out in the fifth.”

Official stoppage time came at the 2:31 mark of the fifth round.

To watch the full slate of fights, including the Dutchover knockout,
please click here for YouTube link.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2018) – Featherweight standout Ruben Villa (13-0, 5 KOs)makes his fifth appearance of the year from his hometown of Salinas, Calif. when he headlines “New Blood” on Saturday, Oct. 13, from the Salinas Storm House.

Villa, 21, returns to his hometown for the second time since winning the vacant WBO Youth featherweight championship in April. In that bout, he handedly outpointed fellow prospect Marlon Olea for his first professional title.

The southpaw followed that performance with a knockout win over Ricardo Lopez in June and a unanimous decision win against Jose Santos Gonzalez in August.

“It’s exciting to be back in my hometown,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “All my friends and family are already asking for tickets. We sold out the last time we were here, and I think we’ll do it again this time.”

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET on our Facebook page with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Philadelphia, Penn. / Orange, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2018) – Elite prospect Michael Dutchover (10-0, 7 KOs) weighed in successfully at 136 lbs., while challenger Bergman Aguilar (14-3-1, 4 KOs) hit his mark at 135.7 lbs. during Thursday’s “New Blood” weigh in.

The pair battle in the 8-round main event from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. TONIGHT, Sept. 21.

Dutchover, 20, typically fights several pounds over the junior lightweight limit. For Friday’s headlining bout, Dutchover will fight at the heaviest weight of his career. Aguilar will pose a challenge to the young Dutchover in that he will be the naturally bigger fighter of the two.

“Weight doesn’t win fights,” remarked Dutchover after weighing in. “Skill wins fights. I’m more skillful than him. I don’t see how this guy is going to beat me.”

Dutchover is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET on our Facebook page with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Philadelphia, Penn. / Orange, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2018) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (10-0, 7 KOs) has been receiving a priceless education in the lead up to his main event showdown with Bergman Aguilar (14-3-1, 4 KOs) this Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Dutchover, 20, has been sparring with reigning WBA super bantamweight champion Danny Roman in Los Angeles. The unbeaten prospect dishes on his relationship with Roman, his new found culinary skills, and what the fans in attendance and on the LiveStream can expect from the surging prospect this Friday night.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

You were originally scheduled to face Luis Lopez, but he dropped out last week due to illness. The replacement fighter is Bergman Aguilar of Nicaragua. How do you stay focused on what you need to do to win?

“It’s one of those things that happens in boxing, especially to young guys like myself. I don’t let it affect me. I have a new guy in front of me. That’s how I view it. He’s in my way in what I want to accomplish, which is to win a world title. He’s not going to stop me from getting to that point.”

You’ve been sparring with WBA champion Danny Roman. What’s it like to learn from one of the best?

“Every single time I spar with Danny I learn something new. He’s a skillful fighter. A very smart boxer. I love working with him. I’m happy to have him in my corner. He helps me how to think through my punches. He talks to me after we spar and we go over things. It’s great to learn from a world champion.”

If boxing wasn’t a career option for you, what would you get yourself into? We hear you’re developing new culinary skills.

“I love everything related to fitness and nutrition. So I think I’d go the nutritionist route or study to become a physical trainer. I’m already learning a lot about nutrition. I cook my own meals. I do my own meal prep. I’m eating a lot of lean meats and vegetables and making them taste great. I get down in the kitchen. I’m learning how to cook on the fly and it’s great. When I go back home to Midland [Texas] to cook for my family, they come away very impressed.”

How do you expect to perform on Friday night?

“From when the first bell rings, I’m going to fight my fight. I’m not shooting for a knockout, but if it’s there, I’ll take it. I’m in peak shape right now. Come Friday, it’s showtime.”

Dutchover is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing