Undisputed vs. Undisputed: Canelo vs. Charlo live on PBC/Showtime PPV on Sept. 30th

On Saturday, September 30, live from the T-Mobile Arena, it will be Undisputed vs. Undisputed, as World Super-Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) defends his titles against World Super-Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs). The bout will be distributed live on Premier Boxing Champions/SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View beginning at 8 PM/ET.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

This will be the first of a three-fight deal Canelo signed earlier this year to join Premier Boxing Champions. While many speculate Canelo will finally fight David Benavidez and Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford, one thing is for sure, Canelo is set on taking on the best opposition available.

I’m very happy to be in this position and to be in big fights,” Canelo said. “Jermell is a great fighter who takes on big challenges just like I do. I always take risks.”

Canelo has fought numerous world champions throughout his career: Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather, Sergui Kovalev, Danny Jacobs, Billy Joe Saunders, Dimitry Bivol, Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, Callum Smith, Caleb Plant, Amir Khan, and an epic trilogy with Gennady Golovkin. Canelo will resume his quest for big fights on some of the biggest venues in sports.  Canelo’s quest for newer and exciting challenges has led us to a rather unique challenger in Charlo.

“Jermell is a great fighter and this is a fight that’s been out there as a possibility for a long time,” Canelo added. Now is the correct time for this fight,” Canelo added. I’m gonna put everything into the ring. My experience, my power and my skills. It’s going to take everything to win this fight. It’s going to be a great night for the fans.”

Canelo also made reference to comments about how he’s ‘lost a step.’ In his previous two fights against his rival Golovkin and John Ryder, a bout that drew more than 60,000 fans for Canelo’s first fight in his native Guadalajara in more than a decade in May,  Canelo acknowledged that he didn’t look as explosive, or dominant as he should have.

Canelo will be fighting a younger, faster, explosive, and more diverse boxer in Charlo. This is truly a ‘different type’ of challenge.

“It’s good that people are saying I’ve lost a step,” Canelo said. “It’s fine. I know why I didn’t look as good in my last two fights. I know why and I’m different now. I’m preparing now for a different type of fighter.”

Similar to Canelo, Charlo has dominated the competition. Similar to Canelo, Charlo has unified the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. Unlike Canelo, however, Charlo hasn’t repeatedly dominated opposition in multiple weight-divisions. In fact, Charlo has fought his entire career at 154 lbs., which is what makes the fight with Canelo, as great a match-up it is, such an improbable fight.

Charlo, who never fought about 154 lbs., will elevate himself two weight-classes to challenge Canelo at 168 lbs. Hardly anyone will give Charlo a chance to beat Canelo, who has been a destructive beast at 168.

“I just want to quiet my haters and doubters and turn non-believers into believers,” Charlo said. “I’ve watched a lot of great people in the sport of boxing and now I think this is the best moment for me to leave my mark. With two great fighters in there, you get nothing but fireworks. When this fight presented itself, it was a no-brainer to make this happen.”

As stated before, Charlo has fought at 154 his entire 17-year career. He beat everyone PBC put in front of him during his rise toward winning his first WBC title in 2016. Charlo has recorded spectacular performances against Joachim Alcine, John Jackson, Charles Hatley, Erickson Lubin, Austin Trout, and having rebounded from losing a decision to Tony Harrison, to winning the rematch by KO.

Jeison Rosario was never quite the same after Charlo knocked him out during the COVID Pandemic. Charlo’s two fights, two wars, against Brian Castano to become Undisputed World Champion at 154 was classic.

“My heart, desire and determination will give me what I need to win,” Charlo said. “I guarantee a great night and that you’re gonna hear some lions roaring.”

As great a challenge this fight is – Undisputed vs. Undisputed – Charlo moving up two weight-divisions to fight a Canelo that has boxed at 168 & 175 for five years, toppling Canelo will prove to be a monumental task.

The last time a boxer moved up two weight-classes to fight Canelo was Amir Khan in 2016. Canelo, in defense of the WBC middleweight championship, fought the former 140 & 147-lb. champion. Khan had never fought past 147, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to move up two weight-classes to fight Canelo.

The judges had it 48-47 (Khan), 48-47 (Canelo), and 49-46 (Canelo) before a single overhand –right knocked Khan out unconsciously. It was one of the most devastating knockouts of Canelo’s career.  

Charlo added: “I don’t have any excuses. Whatever happens happens. I came here to win this fight. I’m not laying down. I don’t care what anyone says.”

Who remembers what happened the last time a boxer moved-up two weight-classes to challenge Canelo?

Undisputed World Super-Featherweight Champion Alycia Baumgardner issues a statement

“On August 12, 2023, I was informed that an “A Sample” I provided on July 12, 2023 resulted in an “Adverse Analytical Finding” of mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances I’ve never heard of or used in any way. The sample provided immediately after my fight on July 15, 2023 tested clean and negative for all banned substances, as did my sample on June 16, 2023 which makes the July 12th result essentially impossible.

“To be abundantly clear, I know that I never have, never would and never will take this or any other drug. Not only would doing so be unethical, but it would also be completely contrary to how I’ve trained my entire career.

“As a professional athlete, I and I alone am responsible for what I put in my body and my body is a temple. I am also a proud role model for any young woman or girl who seeks to follow in my footsteps. I take those responsibilities very seriously — which is why I know that I did not and would never put those substances in my body.

“I have a lot more to say about my journey and why the very idea of me taking an illegal, banned or even dangerous substance would never make sense. So I have no intention of sitting back in silence and letting this “play out.” I plan to keep you all updated every step of the way as I work to ensure my reputation as a clean athlete remains fully intact.”

-Alycia Baumgardner

Joshua KOs Helenius

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCurvRE5fGcdUgCYWgh-BDsg

Anthony Joshua’s quest to become a three-time heavyweight champion resumed last Saturday with what was a memorable homecoming. Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs), the former 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, and former two-time unified IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO champion, electrified the O2 Arena in London following an exciting seventh-round knockout of Robert Helenius (32-5, 21 KOs).

The victory was only the second knockout Joshua had recorded in almost five years. In the last five years, we’ve watched Joshua lose the unified heavyweight titles twice in four fights (combined) against Andy Ruiz and Oleksander Usyk, play musical trainers, and experience the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2023 has proven to be Joshua’s comeback season. In April, under new trainer Derrick James, Joshua looked shaky during a 10-round-decision victory against Jermaine Franklyn.

Joshua was supposed to have fought a long-awaited rematch against amateur rival Dilian Whyte on Saturday, but Whyte was pulled from the fight having failed a prefight drug test. Helenius, who was just victorious on Aug. 5, in Finland, was offered to fight Joshua on approximately five days’ notice.

Helenius, winner of 10 of his previous 13 fights, is a tough and durable fighter. He has fought some higher-tier heavyweights, but many will poke fun at the fact he was KO’d by Deontay Wilder in one-round last year.

It was important for Joshua to defeat Helenius by knockout, but obviously, Joshua wasn’t going to pull a Wilder. Joshua, at 6’ 6,” 250 lbs., was patient and simply took his time breaking Helenius down. Joshua showed good upper body movement. He moved forward behind a sharp left-jab; using feints, and good footwork. Joshua looked elusive, although Helenius busted Joshua’s nose. Helenius was game, as he didn’t make it easy for Joshua at all. Helenius was throwing his left-jab and looking to land his right, but Joshua had more whip behind his left-jab.

In rounds four and five, Joshua noticeably started cracking Helenius with right-hands behind the left-jab. Joshua noticed Helenius was increasing backing into the ropes where Joshua would unleash more right hands. Whenever Joshua whipped his left-jab quickly, Helenius couldn’t see Joshua’s right coming. Joshua applied more pressure though round six; continuously jabbing and pressing Helenius, who would not quit.

The end of the fight occurred at 1:27 seconds of round seven. Helenius kept his left-hand low, as Joshua increased the pressure. With Helenius against the ropes with his low-left, Joshua whipped his left-jab followed by a powerful right-cross. Helenius was knocked out instantly.     

For more information visit https://www.matchroomboxing.com/

Heavyweight Violence: JOSHUA vs. HELENIUS, CHISORA vs. WASHINGTON, HRGOVIC vs. MCKEAN live on DAZN this Saturday

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 22 KOs) returns to fight Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round heavyweight contest. In addition to the main event, heavyweights Derek Chisora (33-13, 23 KOs) will battle Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs), a former WBC title challenger. Plus, unbeaten heavyweights Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs) will fight Dempsey McKean (22-0, 14 KOs).

All three heavyweight fights, plus much more undercard action, will be streamed live on DAZN worldwide from the O2 Arena in London, England.

London, UK – August 9: Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius final Press Conference ahead of their Heavyweight Contest on saturday night. 9 August 2023 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Everyone will be watching with great anticipation to see just how ‘AJ’ continues to adjust to new trainer Derrick James. Joshua has been working with James since the beginning of 2023. In their first bout together, Joshua looked shaky winning a 10-round decision against Jermaine Franklyn.

Both James and Joshua, 33, London, England, stressed the importance of ‘AJ’ continuing to train and fight as frequently as possible, which was why Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing were scrambling urgently for a new opponent after Dillian Whyte failed a prefight drug test. As a result, Robert Helenius, who had just fought less than a week ago, received a phone call to fight Joshua instead.

Although Helenius, 39, Finland, has won seven of his last nine fights, everyone still remembers his first-round knockout loss to Deontay Wilder last year. Helenius was also KO’d by Gerald Washington several years ago.

The consensus belief is that Joshua, who has only one recorded knockout in almost five years, will not only look good on Saturday, but he will win by knockout.

London, UK – August 9: Derek Chisora and Gerald Washington Final Press Conference ahead of their Heavyweight Contest on saturday night. 9 August 2023 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Derek Chisora has been fighting for a longtime and he’s fought everybody: Helenius, Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, David Haye, Vitali Klitschko, Oleksander Usyk, David Price, Kurbat Pulev, and Joseph Parker, etc.

Chisora, a two-time heavyweight title challenger that once fought Klitschko for the WBC title, previously challenged Fury for the WBC title again last December. Chisora has nothing to prove, but continues to take fights against anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

Even if that means fighting his own friends.

Derek Chisora, 39, Zimbabwe, promises to beat the hell out of his friend Gerald Washington, 41, San Jose, CA, come Saturday night.

“I know what Gerald is going to bring,” Chisora said, “he’ll put his Usain Bolt shoes on and he’s going to run, but that’s OK, we’re going to chase him, find him and [mess} him up. I won’t lie, he’s my friend, but when I get in the ring, I’ll eat this guy up.”

It’s hard not to laugh at your friends when they’re threatening to beat you badly for the entire world to see, but this is a real serious fight. This fight is an opportunity for both fighters to secure some other big fight opportunities. Especially for Washington, who came across some hard luck in recent years.

Opportunities against ‘Big Baby’ Miller, Adam Kownacki, and Charles Martin slipped away from Washington, who once stepped up to face Dentay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title in 2017. Also, Washington was winning his fight against Ali Eren Demirezen before he was stopped in the eighth-round.

In the last 1 ½ years, Washington has worked with a lot heavyweights in training camps across the world including Chisora. Washington has also worked with Malik Scott, the former heavyweight contender and current trainer for Wilder. Scott will be working in Washington’s corner during what will be an intense heavyweight battle.

“I’ve been up and down” Washington said, “so it’s a matter of being consistent. I started late at 30 and had a lot of great wins and fought for the World Title, I’ve had big fights and learning along the way, I’m grateful to be ablate fight in London for the first time and get back in the mix baby.”

Washington added: “It’s a great match-up for us, we haven’t fought for a long time, a year and a half, so we’re grateful to you and Derek for this opportunity, this shot. We’ve been working and we’re looking forward to it.”   

Also, a pair of unbeaten heavyweights, Filip Hrgovic will fight Demsey McKean in a scheduled 12-round heavyweight showdown.

London, UK – August 9: Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean final Press Conference ahead of their Heavyweight Contest on saturday night. 9 August 2023 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Hrgovic, 31, Croatia, is a former Olympic Bronze champion from the 2016 Summer Games. He’s beaten guys like Amir Mansour, Kevin Johnson, and Eric Molina. Hrgovic, who hasn’t fought since last year, won a 12-round decision over Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang, who went on to defeat Joe Joyce to become the interim WBO heavyweight champion in April.  

“I am glad the fight with Zhang happened, I didn’t look very well, but I know that was my worst night, but I beat a good fighter, you saw what he did to Joe Joyce, he showed he’s a top ten Heavyweight and on my worst night I beat him. That’s good that I had that performance and people can underestimate me, because I know that I can do much better and I didn’t take this fight with Demsey lightly and I am ready for anything.”

McKean, 32, Australia, is a former rugby player and MMA fighter. He has won multiple regional titles since turning professional in 2014. This is a tremendous opportunity for McKean, who doesn’t appear to be very impressed with Hrgovic.  

“I wake up every morning and tell myself: 36 minutes is all it takes to change my life,” McKean said. “There have been bigger upsets in Heavyweight boxing, and I think that this is a very even fight. He waffles on about ‘who has he knocked out that I haven’t knocked out?’ Well, who has he decisively beaten? He only has Zhilei Zhang and that was a controversial decision, so we have similar CVs as each other. He’s a good fighter, I just think I have the tools to beat him and give him a hell of a night. I have good footwork, good head movement, hand-speed, punch selection and good power. I’m just excited, I think he’s going to bring out the best in me, he’s a good contender and I can’t wait for that.”

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Joshua: “I am physically ready.”

Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) returns to the ring this Saturday to fight Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight will be streamed live on DAZN.

Initially, Joshua was set to face longtime rival Dillian Whyte in a highly anticipated rematch from their epic 2015 heavyweight battle from London. Unfortunately, Whyte had to be pulled from the rematch as of last week after it was discovered there was an ‘adverse finding’ in his latest drug test.

It was also reported Whyte failed multiple drug tests that led to Helenius taking the fight on less than seven days’ notice. Luckily, Helenius just fought as recent as Aug. 5 (last week) in Finland where he defeated a Mika Mielonen (TKO 3).  

“It’s a night of Heavy Duty action at The O2 in London,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn, “with Anthony Joshua now facing ‘The Nordic Nightmare’, 6ft 9in Robert Helenius as ‘AJ’ looks to move on to some of the biggest fights in the division, and the undercard is stacked with some of the biggest, baddest and best Heavyweights in the world, along with some of our youngest talent.”

The card could have been cancelled. However, considering the number of intriguing fights on the show including heavyweights Gerald Washington battling Derek Chisora, as well as, unbeaten heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic vs. Dempsey McKean, it was important for Matchroom Boxing and DAZN to keep the card together, along with ‘AJ,’ who had already been training for several months.

“I looked at the undercard and I know how important it is for them to compete,” Joshua said. “I know how hard you (Eddie Hearn) worked, and all the Matchroom staff, my coach, DAZN, so it’s a responsibility I have. Late replacements aren’t ideal but it’s the third time it’s happened. A long career will present these types of obstacles and I’ve just got to get used to them, it’s just another rock in my shoe to the top of the mountain.”

Perhaps more importantly, had Joshua not had the chance to fight this Saturday, as was his initial plan since he defeated Jermaine Franklyn in February, that means Joshua would have had just one fight since losing his rematch with unified WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksander Usyk last summer.

Against Franklyn, Joshua’s performance under new trainer Derrick James, was shaky. It’s important for Joshua to have as many fights as possible. James is working to help retool Joshua, who has underwent many changes to his style and approach to boxing ever since he lost his titles to Andy Ruiz at Madison Square Garden in New York City several years ago.    

“You have to move forward,” James said. “Now it is all about Robert who is a pretty good fighter, you will see everything ‘AJ’ has been able to work on throughout camp and implement it into his game.”

James added: “We have had a little more time this time. It’s all about the process, he’s brought into that process and he’s getting better and better.”

The expectation is that Joshua  should show significant improvement having worked with James for now the second straight fight. Some are hopeful we will see the same Joshua that beat Whyte, Dominic Breazeale, Charles Martin, and Wladimir Klitschko enroute to the unified heavyweight championship.

Some are not as optimistic, as Joshua, as powerful and athletic as he is, has recorded just one KO victory in almost five years.

Joshua went onto explain how ‘everyone suffered’ during the COVID-19 Pandemic and that the time spent working with and adjusting to Derrick James has been an ongoing ‘process.’ Joshua also talked about the importance of keeping busy and fighting as often as possible.

“Coming off the back of Covid, everyone suffered during that period,” Joshua said. “The sport industry slowed down and now we just want to get some momentum going again. As Derrick said, I came out to camp early this year, I took a couple of weeks, maybe a month back in the UK then went to Dallas, to try to progress on. So, my goal was to fight as many times as possible, like Robert, he fought on Saturday, you have to stay active, keep expressing your skill as that’s the only way to improve. I fought in April, but I’ve spent a lot of time in the ring in the gym as we do a lot of ring work in Dallas, and that’s the closest thing to a fight. It’s not just hitting the bags and mitts, there’s a lot of combat training so I am physically ready.”  

Robert Helenius, the 6’ 9,” has been chasing the world heavyweight championship throughout his whole career dating back to 2008. Helenius, winner of seven of his last nine fights (7-2, 5 KOs), did suffer a shocking one-round KO loss to Deontay Wilder last year. However, Helenius is carrying a lot of momentum heading into this Saturday, after having fought jus last week.  

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” Helenius said. “This fight offer came to me after my fight at the weekend. I was going on vacation with my family but not anymore, here we are. We had a good camp behind us, and we feel ready. I am ready to fight, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I respect him, he’s a good fighter. It’s going to be glorious. I’ve been chasing the World Title for 15 years and when you get this big of an opportunity you can’t let it slip and I will give everything to win this fight.”

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Robert Helenius steps in to face Anthony Joshua, lands last minute shot at ‘AJ’ – live worldwide on DAZN this Saturday

Anthony Joshua will face Robert Helenius in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London this Saturday August 12, shown exclusively live worldwide on DAZN – with fans now able to view as part of their regular subscription.   This follows the news that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Joshua’s original opponent Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol. As a result, their fight was immediately cancelled with a full investigation underway.   Saturday’s sold-out event will now be available to watch worldwide on DAZN via the usual subscription service. Fans will be able to claim a refund directly for any pay-per-view pre-orders they had made via DAZN.   On a huge night of Heavyweight action in the Capital, IBF Mandatory World Title challenger Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs) clashes with Australia’s undefeated contender Demsey McKean (22-0, 14 KOs) for a shot at Ukraine’s unified World Champion Oleksandr Usyk, two-time World Title challenger and fan favourite Derek Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) returns to the scene of so many of his famous wins to take on America’s Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs) over ten rounds and Romford sensation Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) has the opportunity to land his first belt when he faces off with Torquay’s Harry Armstrong (5-1-1) for the vacant Southern Area Title.   Elsewhere on the card, Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on Hitchen’s Tom Ansell (10-4, 2 KOs) over eight rounds, Billericay Middleweight prospect George Liddard (3-0, 3 KOs) goes for another knockout against Bas Oosterweghel (5-1, 3 KOs), Wales Featherweight talent Brandon Scott (5-0, 1 KO) makes his Matchroom debut against Shepshed’s Louis Norman (14-13-1, 2 KOs) and Eltham Super-Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (3-0) faces her toughest test against Bournemouth’s Gemma Ruegg (7-7, 1 KO).   “This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua. “I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring. I am laser focused on the win. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a check point, Saturday night. May the best man win.”    “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius. “I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”   Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “To get the news on Saturday was really disappointing, not only for us but for Anthony Joshua and for the fans. But we got to work and we have done what we’re good at – and we have managed to keep the show on. AJ has been unbelievable throughout this whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight having trained for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James. He has always been a great pro but this just shows me again the hunger he has for the sport. He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform. There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse! But he came to fight. He can really punch, he’s 6ft 8in and he won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight.”   Alfie Sharman VP DAZN said: “DAZN were incredibly disappointed about the cancellation of our original main event on Saturday and are extremely appreciative of the efforts by all involved to get this new fight across the line. Robert has been in with some of the best in the division, and this will be another hard night for Anthony Joshua. Tune in live and exclusive on DAZN.”   Tickets will remain valid for all existing ticketholders. Refunds will be available for ticketholders from the original point of purchase.   Existing DAZN subscribers can watch Joshua vs Helenius live and exclusive on DAZN as part of their DAZN subscription. No Pay-Per-View purchase required. If you’re not yet a DAZN subscriber, sign up at DAZN.com where monthly prices start at £9.99 per month.    Once signed up, search ‘DAZN’ on your favourite device’s app store and download the DAZN app to start watching on smart TVs, streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast, plus game consoles, mobile and tablet.   To watch Joshua vs Helenius on DAZN through your Sky Q or Sky+ HD box,  go to DAZN 1 HD channel 429 and follow the steps to sign up to DAZN.  Or go to DAZN.com/Sky to get started.

Kings Promotions Marshall Kauffman presents another exciting “SHOBOX: The New Generation” fight card featuring Amateur standout Jordan White (14-1, 10 KOs) vs. unbeaten prospect Eridson Garcia (17-0, 11 KOs) LIVE TONIGHT! On SHOWTIME!

Having promoted approximately 150 amateur and professional boxing events, Marshall Kauffman has been doing this a long time. The CEO of Kings Promotions has done it all from training to managing/promoting fighters, as early as the 1980s.

Kauffman once trained World Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman, Steve Little, and Kermit Cintron to name a few. Kauffman is also the father of heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman.

Marshall Kauffman is also the man that helped introduce the Boxing World to Alycia Baumgardner, who went from fighting out of Ohio to Detroit, Tampa to Philly; returning home to Detroit, as the Undisputed Women’s World Super-Featherweight Champion.

Tonight, Marshall Kauffman returns to his native Pennsylvania in Bethlehem under his King’s Promotions banner to stage another fight card filled with rising prospects. Who will be next to follow in the footsteps of either Hasim Rahman, Alycia Baumgardner, Steve Little, or even Travis Kauffman?

130-lb. former amateur boxing prospect Jordan White could very well be on his way, as he challenges ex-Navy man Eridson Garcia in the main event of SHOBOX: The New Generation fight-card. The event will be live from the Wind Creek Event Center on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 PM ET/PT.

White and Garcia will join the growing list of the 89 fighters that appeared on SHOBOX and eventually became world champions: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, 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, and Paul Williams, etc.  

White, a former USA Boxing stablemate of Undisputed World Lightweight Champion Devin Haney, worked with Haney since the Junior Olympics. White has worked with Haney in preparation for fights for years, but is poised to become his own star in in boxing. Despite having just one loss earlier in his career, White, winner of his previous eight fights.

“Devin Haney and I always roomed together when we traveled,” White said. “We grew up together. We are close. We went to the junior Olympics together. I was in Devin’s camps for the Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos fights. We sparred together. It was a great experience for me to be around the mindset of a world champion. Bill Haney will be in my corner tomorrow. I call him uncle; he calls me nephew.”

White added: ““I feel like my toughest opponent is me. The only person in my way is me. I don’t underestimate anybody, but I’m not treating him like he’s my toughest opponent or anything.”  

“I look at all my fights the same, I see them as another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m expecting my opponent to do something different, expecting the unexpected. That’s the best way to prepare for him. I know he’s not going to use the same gameplan he’s used before.” 

“I can display power when needed and I use my distance when needed. I like to think I’m a well-rounded boxer. I’m planning on giving the fans a good boxing match.”

Garcia too is tough and has anxiously been awaiting the right opportunity to show everyone what he believes he is capable of.

“This means a lot to me,” Garcia said. “I’ve been trying to get on television for a while. This opportunity really motivates me and it pushes me to put on a memorable performance tomorrow night.”

Garcia added: “I’m a technical boxer but I also know how to take advantage of the distance. If my opponent wants to box, I’ll box. If he wants to fight on the inside, I can do that too. I can do what needs to be done. I’ll read him and adjust as needed.” 

“I’m prepared to counter whatever he brings to the table. I have the skillset to adjust to whatever he throws my way. I’ll apply pressure and take him to school. I have more speed and I’m simply a better fighter. I know White won 10 fights in a row, but I got great preparation. I had some very good sparring. Some lefties, some righties. I sparred with O’Shaquie Foster and Giovanni Marquez for this fight.”  

Also on the card:  Philadelphia’s unbeaten prospect Paul Kroll (10-0-1, 6 KOs) battles Guido Schramm (16-1-1, 9 KOs) of Argentina in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight. The telecast will also feature two undefeated Pennsylvania fighters – Julian Gonzalez (10-0-1, 9 KOs) of Reading, PA vs. Pittsburgh’s Johnny Spell (8-0, 4 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight clash.