VIDEO: Sonny Conto Talks about his unanimous decision win over Mike Marshall




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

NEW YORK – February 24, 2022 – Super welterweight prospect Ardreal Holmes puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov in another tightly-matched main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

The main event pairs two amateur standouts trying to seize the spotlight as Flint, Michigan’s Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) takes on Tajikistan’s Sanginov (12-0-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight contest. Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) faces once-beaten Vernon Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round co-featured middleweight bout and undefeated lightweight prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs). Plus, 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round super lightweight bout that opens the telecast.

The event is promoted by Holden Productions.

Here is a closer look at the matchups:

Holmes vs. Sanginov – Eight-Round Super Welterweight Main Event Bout

The southpaw Holmes was a No. 1-ranked amateur at 147 pounds with more than 80 amateur fights. He won several amateur tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship and was a three-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion. He also represented USA in the World Series of Boxing and was an alternate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Standing at six-foot-two-inches, Holmes has proven to be a handful since turning pro in 2016. He owns wins over 55-fight veteran Lanardo Tyner and most recently defeated Jose Antonio Abreu in 2019. He is coached by Joe Bermudez, managed by David McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“I am excited to jump back in the ring,” said the 27-year-old Holmes. “I am in a good spot, and I will make the most of this opportunity. I think I should be able to do anything that I want off the jab. I’m not worried about anyone slipping on me because I am in a position that people will get to know who I am really soon. Get ready for a great night of boxing. Seeing people come up that you know such as the Dirrell brothers motivated me, and March 11 people will get to know and remember who I am.”

An exceptional amateur himself, Sanginov amassed a record of 105-14 and became a fan favorite in his native Tajikistan. He turned professional in 2016 and moved to Las Vegas in 2018 to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion. He stopped four-of-his-last-six opponents, beating then-undefeated Quincy LaVallais via split-decision and fighting then-undefeated Fred Wilson Jr. to a draw. Sanginov has fought five times since Holmes last stepped into the ring.

“I am very happy and excited for this opportunity,” said the 26-year-old Sanginov, who is five inches shorter than Holmes. “ShoBox is a steppingstone to bigger and better things. I know that a win gets me bigger fights. I don’t know much about my opponent except his amateur career. Training camp has been great and I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 11.”

Normatov vs. Brown – Eight-Round Middleweight Bout

Uzbekistan’s Normatov, who now resides and fights out of Brooklyn, N.Y., finished his impressive amateur career in 2016 with a 190-40 record. In his first ten fights as a pro, the southpaw has faced seven fighters with winning records including two undefeated prospects. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, where he fought to a 5-1 record. Normatov is trained by Andre Rozier, who has trained several world champions including Richard Commey, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Normatov is also managed by McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“I am very happy to be back in the ring and especially to be on a big show like ShoBox,” said the 29-year-old Normatov. “This is a big chance for me to show what I can do. It’s a great opportunity and I will take advantage of it.”

Brown, a 32-year-old Chicago native, turned professional in 2015 and has competed in a variety of weight classes from 140 to 160 pounds. He won his first seven fights, including five by way of stoppage, before fighting Jesus Zazueta Anaya to a split-draw in 2017. He won his next three fights before dropping a hotly contested 10-round unanimous decision to talented 154-pound contender Jamontay Clark in a fight many felt Brown could have won. Brown rebounded with three straight wins, including a second-round KO in his last time out in February 2021. He will face his first undefeated opponent since his 2017 win over then 6-0 Angelo Snow on March 11.

“I am just ready to fight,” said the 5’7” Brown. “I haven’t fought in a year, but I have been in the gym, and I am just ready. My opponent is a crafty southpaw who is tall, but I have knocked out a couple guys with a similar style as his. I’m excited to fight on ShoBox and I’m ready to give people a show. A win will boost my career and will show a lot of people what I am made of.”

Acosta vs. De Los Santos – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The undefeated, power-punching Acosta began boxing at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose, and uncle, Mario, who were both professional boxers. As an amateur, the Houston native Acosta had a record of 57-8 and won both the Title and Ringside Tournaments. Known as an aggressive, come-forward fighter, Acosta has stopped 11-of-his-12 professional opponents. Acosta is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology and is trained by his father.

“I am very excited for my first televised fight,” said Acosta, 25. “I feel like I have something to prove. I will not get caught in the moment and I want to put on a show for everybody. I know that my opponent is a southpaw and is taller, and he looks like he is strong early on in the fight. May the best man win.”

De Los Santos began boxing in his native Dominican Republic at the age of 12, and by age 14, he had won his first amateur tournament. Following a brilliant amateur career in which he fought 265 times and lost just six bouts, he turned pro in 2018 and made his ShoBox debut in January, dropping a close decision to William Foster III. Packing one-punch power, De Los Santos had scored stoppages in his last seven fights prior to the defeat. Among his most impressive performances is a first-round KO over then 8-2 Juan Alberto Garcia Perez and a unanimous decision over then 31-10 Francisco Contreras.

“I am extremely disappointed in my last performance,” said De Los Santos of his ShoBox debut. “It did not go as I expected. A lot had to do with the weight loss, which caused me to get weak and tired after the third round. This is why I am fighting at 135 pounds in this fight. I will be stronger than ever so my opponent better watch out.”

Márquez vs. Morales – Four-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Highly regarded super lightweight prospect Giovanni Márquez will become the seventh fighter in the history of ShoBox to make their professional debut on the series. The previous six, including the likes of world champions Gary Russell Jr. and Errol Spence Jr., were all U.S. Olympians. Houston’s Márquez is fresh off winning the national Golden Gloves 152-pound championship, where he was also given the prestigious Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament Award. The list of current or former world champions to win the Golden Gloves title at 152 pounds in the past 20 years includes Spence (2009), Demetrius Andrade (2006-07), Daniel Jacobs (2004) and Andre Berto (2003). Márquez began boxing at age 12 and finished his amateur career with a record of 75-12. He is trained by his father, 1992 U.S. Olympian, former junior middleweight world champion and SHOWTIME Boxing analyst Raul “El Diamante” Márquez.

“I am very excited to be making my debut on ShoBox,” said the 20-year-old Márquez. “I am excited to display my skills and everything that my father and I have been working on in the gym. I have been envisioning this moment for myself from a young age. There is footage of me mimicking walking to the ring in my house. To make that walk is a dream come true. Being on the show my dad works on is an honor, and I am definitely up for it. For some, that might be pressure, but I am embracing it. The audience will see the best of me on March 11.”

Dominican Republic born, Scranton, Penn.-based 29-year-old Nelson Morales has two professional bouts under his belt, including a four-round unanimous decision over Ronny Arana in August 2021. In his 2019 pro debut, he defeated Kynndale Prather via majority decision. For the second consecutive fight, Morales will be facing an opponent making their pro debut. Morales works as a part-time police officer in the Pennsylvania boroughs of Clarks Summit, Throop and Dunmore.

“This is a dream come true,” said Morales. “I have been watching SHOWTIME Boxing for a long time. I have been dreaming about this for a long time. I know that Márquez has been around boxing since he was in the belly. I know of his father Raul, so I know he will bring it. I have been working very hard and a lot had to happen for me to get this opportunity, and I won’t waste it.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Márquez serving as expert analysts, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.

The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.




Split-T Management’s Undefeated Heavyweight Sonny Conto in Action Tonight in Hometown Fight Against Mike Marshall

New York (February 24, 2022) – TONIGHT at Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia, undefeated heavyweight Sonny Conto returns to action when he takes on Mike Marshall in a six-round bout just a few blocks from his Philadelphia residence as headlines in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Conto, who turned 26 on February 12th, has a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts, will be making the 6th start in his hometown, and is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Joel Caudle on November 18th in the same Live! Casino ring.

Conto, who is managed by Split-T Management, is promoted by Top Rank.

Marshall of Danbury, Connecticut is 6-2-1 with four knockouts. The 33 year-old Marshall has a win over Justin Rolfe (4-1-1). The seven year-pro is coming off a defeat to Victor Faust on October 9, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Conto weighed 226.1 lbs. Marshall was 248.8 lbs.

The bout can be seen on flocombat.com




Jamie Mitchell Retains WBA Bantamweight Title With Emphatic 4-Round Beatdown of Carly Skelly

New York (February 7, 2022) – This past Saturday night, Jamie Mitchell defended the WBA Bantamweight title with a four round destruction over Carly Skelly at The Footprint Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fight was Live on DAZN.

Mitchell is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen’s Empire Boxing.

At the end of round one, Mitchell dropped Skelly with a hard left hook. Mitchell scored another knockdown in round two with a big right hand. In round four, Mitchell landed a vicious flurry of punches that included flush rights hands that snapped Skelly’s head back, and the fight was stopped at 1:32.

Mitchell of Las Vegas is 8-0-2 with five knockouts. Skelly of Liverpool, ENG is 4-1-1.

“It was cool, my first defense and my most precious fight as a pro,” said Mitchell. “Shout out to Claressa Shields for getting the win in the UK tonight, we had great sparring in the build-up so thank you to her for that. She’s truly the GWOAT and an inspiration.

“If you are going to run at me, I’m going to stop you in your tracks and that’s what happened.

I am only going to get better, we train all year round, people are sleeping on me but I’m going to slowly wake them up.”




Jamie Mitchell Defends WBA Bantamweight Title against Carly Skelly in Phoenix

New York (February 4, 2022) – Jamie Mitchell makes her maiden defense of the WBA Bantamweight title when she takes on Carly Skelly tomorrow night at The Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fight will be streamed Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET

Mitchell of Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen’s Empire Boxing, won the title on October 9th when she defeated previously undefeated champion Shannon Courtenay in Liverpool England,

Mitchell (7-0-2, 4 KOs) will look to add Skelly as the 2nd consecutive undefeated opponent to her resume.

Skelly (4-0-1) of Liverpool, England is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Dorota Norek on October 23rd in Liverpool.

Mitchell weighed 117.2 lbs Skelly checked in at 116.2 lbs

Jamie Mitchell Press Conference Quotes

“I am definitely ready to defend my title, it’s going to be a great night.

“You cannot doubt yourself no matter whether you are chosen as an opponent or you are the A-side. I knew I was going to go in there against Shannon Courtenay and do what I had to do. I have tremendous coaches and a great manager, and the belief I have in myself is phenomenal, so I have all the confidence I need to be a World champion.

“Carly is a great opponent for me, but I am going to show everybody why I am a World champion. Nothing has been given to me at all, I am going to go out and show my skills and capabilities.

“I’m not giving up nothing but ass-whoopings – no-one is getting this belt.”
WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie Mitchell talks about title defense with Carly Skelly

Also on the card will be undefeated light heavyweight Khalil Coe. Coe (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Flemington, New Jersey will battle Dylan O’Sullivan in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.

Despite just 34 amateur fights, Coe made the most of his opportunities as he was a member of the distinguished United States elite team. Coe gained his most prominence when he knocked out Olympic Gold Medal Winner and four-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar La Cruz.

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

O’Sullivan of Johnson City, Tennessee is 1-0, and made his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Jermaine Cooley on July 3rd in Gray, Tennessee.

The Fight will be streamed on DAZN.

Coe Weighed 179.5 lbs.; O’Sullivan was 177.9 lbs

Khalil Coe Press Conference Quotes
“The weight played a part in the draw. We started the cut late in camp, we forced it a little, but we’ve learned from it and we’re here and better for it now.

“It was a minor setback, but a lesson learned. It’s not something I want to forget, I want to remember it and grow from it, and never let it happen again.

“It showed me what I am capable of doing when I am not 100 per cent, so imagine what I can do when I am at my best.”

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom




AUDIO: WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie Mitchell talks about title defense with Carly Skelly






VIDEO: WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie Mitchell talks about title defense with Carly Skelly




Split-T Management Goes 7-for-7 on Saturday Night

New York (January 31, 2022) –This past Saturday night, seven fighters under the Split-T Management banner all had their hand raised in victories in three locales over two countries.

Five of those fights took place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2021 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson won a four-round unanimous decision over Xavier Madrid in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

Johnson landed 83 of 263 punches; Madrid was 45 of 235.

Johnson, 145 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 2-0. Madrid, 145.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 3-1.

Stephan Shaw stopped Joey Dawejko in the 8th and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Shaw dominated the action and landed hard shots throughout on the durable Dawejko. Finally in round 10, Shaw landed a big flurry, and the corner of Dawejko stopped the fight at 1:04

Shaw, 234.8 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Dawejko, 258.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 21-10-4.

Carla Torres won a eight-round majority decision over Pink Tyson in a junior lightweight bout.

Torres, 129.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 80-72, 77-5 and 76-76 and now is 7-6. Tyson, 130 lbs of Brighton, ENG is 11-3.

Haven Brady Jr. was impressive in shutting out Diuhl Olguin over six-rounds in their featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Olguin, 127.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 15-21-5.

Dante Benjamin Jr. made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Emmy Rendon in a light heavyweight bout

In round one, Benjamin dropped Rendon with a left to the solar plexus. Moments later, it was a left hook from Benjamin that sent Rendon down again and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 1-0 with one knockout. Rendon, 175,8 lbs of Odessa, TX is 2-1.

At the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, super middleweight Tika Hemingway went to 2-0 with a unanimous decision win over Jozette Coton by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Hemingway was amateur rivals with Claressa Shields and had three amateur wins over current unified world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, former world champion Alicia Napoleon and former interim world champion Raquel Miller.

In Mexico, Welterweight Mary Spencer of Boulder, Colorado via Ontario, Canada made it 3-0 with a unanimous decision victory.




Split-T Management Quartet in Action on Saturday Night In Tulsa, Oklahoma

New York (January 28, 2022) — Tomorrow Night, Split-T Management fighters will be featured prominently at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma as four fighters under the top boxing management’s banner will be in action.

At 10 PM ET on ESPN, 2020 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Cleveland, Ohio will make his 2nd start when he takes on Xavier Madrid (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round battle of undefeated welterweights.

Johnson, 23, had a highly decorated amateur career finishing with a record of 188-17, and saw him win a Gold Medal in the 2016 Youth World Championships; a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games; a 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Championship; Four 2017 Elite National Championships; a 2016 Elite National Championship; a 2015 Youth National Championship; and a 2014 National Junior Olympic Championship.

Johnson made it to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo before losing to the eventual Gold Medal winner, Cuban Roniel Iglesias.

Johnson was very impressive in his pro debut when he stopped Antonius Grable in the 4th round on November 20th in Las Vegas.

Madrid has a win over Cristian Castillo (3-0), and is coming off a 1st round stoppage of Daniel Arriaga on November 20th.

Johnson, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed 145 lbs. Madrid weighed 146 lbs.

At 7 PM ET, three more Split-T Management boxers will be featured on the ESPN+ stream.

Undefeated heavyweight Stephan Shaw will take on tough veteran Joey Dawejko in an eight-round heavyweight bout.

Shaw of St. Louis, Missouri is 15-0 with 11 knockouts, and is considered one of the top heavyweight prospects in the world. The 29 year-old Shaw is a nine-year veteran and has wins over Danny Kelly (9-2-1), Jonny Rice (4-1-1), Joel Caudle (7-1-1), Donovan Dennis (12-3), Willie Jake Jr (8-2-1), Gregory Corbin (15-2), Lyubomyr Pinchuk (12-1-1) and his bout when he stopped Nick Davis in the opening round on August 27th in Plant City, Florida.

Dawejko of Philadelphia is 21-9-4 with 12 knockouts. The 31 year-old is a former World Youth Amateur champion. The 13-year professional has victories over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossu (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umohette (9-2), Natu Visina (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1), and Kevin Nunez (15-0). Dawejko has also taken former world champion Charles Martin and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings. Dawejko is coming off a loss to undefeated Zhan Kossobutskiy on August 21st in Hamburg, Germany.

Shaw weighed 234.8 lbs; Dawejko was 258.6

Shaw is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.

Undefeated featherweight Haven Brady Jr. will take on veteran Diuhl Olguin in a six-round bout.

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 20 year-old Brady has been a professional for two years.

Brady’s amateur career saw him go 65-10 with 30 knockouts, and won the 2018 Jr. Nationals. Brady won the 2019 Eastern Qualifiers and 2019 Jr. National PAL.

He is coming off a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Roberto Negrete (3-0) on October 23rd in Atlanta.

Olguin of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-20-5 with 10 knockouts. The 33 year-old Olguin is a 14 year-professional who has victories over Horacio Garcia (32-2-1), Kevin Rivers Jr. (14-1) and Tenochtitlan Nava (7-1). Olguin is coming off a loss to Juan Antonio Lopez on November 5th.

Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed in at 127.8 lbs. Olguin was 127.4 lbs

Dante Benjamin will be making his professional debut against undefeated Herman Rendon in a four-round light heavyweight bout.

Benjamin, 19 years-old of Cleveland, Ohio amassed over 100 wins as an amateur, and was a seven-time national champion as he was a 2016 and 2017 Junior National Champion, 2017 Eastern Regional Champion, and a 2018 Youth National champion. He also took first place in the Emil Jechev International tournament in Botevgrad, Bulgaria.

In 2017, he was named the Under Armour Fighter of the Year.

Rendon of Odessa, Texas is 2-0. Both of his victories are over undefeated foes as he opened his career with a win over James Land (2-0-1) In his most recent outing, Rendon won four-round unanimous decision over
Yhorhighness Rezzaq (2-0) in New Mexico

Benjamin, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed 172.6 lbs. Rendon was 175.8




AUDIO: Interview with Tiger Johnson