NEW YORK (March 6, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Ivan Baranchyk will now face former world title challenger Petr Petrov this Friday, March 9, in the co-featured bout on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. The contest will be an eliminator for the No. 2 position in the IBF junior welterweight world rankings.

Petrov replaces Anthony Yigit, who has withdrawn due to illness.

“We are looking forward to having Petr compete this Friday night on Showtime,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “Petr is a world championship caliber fighter, and by taking this fight on just five days notice, it shows the character that Petr has. I expect he will put on a great performance on Friday night and get himself on the doorstep of another world title opportunity.”

“Baranchyk and Petrov are both known for their all-action styles and are never in a bad fight. It is a tremendous addition to this card, and I’m thrilled we were able to put the bout together on short notice. The fact that Petr was training for another fight once again made it possible to create a superior fight under difficult circumstances,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

Sporting a record of 38-5-2 with 19 KOs, the 34-year-old Petrov, of Ryazan, Russia, and based in Madrid, Spain, will look to bounce back into the win column following a hotly contested 12-round decision loss to WBO Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan on April 8, 2017, in Manchester, England. Prior to the loss to Flanagan, Petrov was on a six-bout winning streak, including victories over Michael Perez, Marvin Quintero and Gamalial Diaz. Over the last 10 years, Petrov’s only other losses have come against world champions Marcos Maidana and Dejan Zlaticanin.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to fight of the number-2 position in the IBF. A victory will open the doors for me to get another world title shot,” said Petrov. “Baranchyk is a tough fighter who is right in front of you. This will not be an easy fight, but I am a veteran who can adapt to any style.”

The Baranchyk (16-0, 10 KOs) vs. Petrov bout is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Fight Promotions Inc., Holden Productions & Banner Promotions.

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

MIAMI, Okla. (July 15, 2017) – Ivan Baranchyk went the distance with Keenan Smith in front of Baranchyk’s adopted hometown in the main event of a quadrupleheader featuring eight returning fighters on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort.

In a battle of undefeated fighters, the hard-hitting Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) took advantage of a one-point holding deduction against Sims in the fifth round to earn the decision in his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series and six consecutive fight out of Miami.

“I’m happy to be fighting back home in Miami, I love to fight here,” said Baranchyk, who was happy with his win but displeased with his overall performance. “I came out too hard and tried too hard to knock Smith out. I really wanted to knock him out which is why my punches were wild.”

Smith (11-1, 5 KOs) sealed his fate when he was deducted a point by officials after excessive holding throughout the first half of the fight. He became the 166th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

“They weren’t playing fair,” Smith said. “Anything that I did, the referee was on me. I was hitting him with clean body shots, and he kept telling me to keep them up, and then he took a point for holding. I don’t know what fight [the judges] were watching.”

The fight was a hard-hitting and physical affair from the beginning. Baranchyk came out swinging, landing just 21% of his jabs and 29% of total punches, edging out Smith who landed just 22% of his total punches.

“I came out too hard and tried to knock him out, which is why my punches were wild,” said Baranchyk.

In the co-feature, Rolando Chinea upset previously unbeaten former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. in a close majority decision.

“I was most confident after the second round of the fight, when I noticed he was sticking his tongue out and making certain gestures that showed he was tired,” Chinea said. “If I had to grade myself I would rate my overall performance as a B… I have a lot to improve on and my job here is never finished.”

Like Smith, Sims (12-1, 4 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career, becoming the 165th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

“My body just didn’t respond tonight,” Sims said. “I am done at 140 pounds. I just did not feel right from the opening bell. I am going to 147 pounds.”

In the sixth round, Chinea took control and was the busier fighter against a fading Sims. While both fighters exchanged numerous punches in the seventh and closed the fight out with a flurry of activity, Sims clearly struggled at 140 pounds.

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

In the second fight of the night, Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the 121-pound super bantamweight division to go the distance with ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-2, 8 KOs) in an action-packed eight-round slugfest that ended in a split draw. Both fighters were visibly disappointed by the judge’s decision.

“I thought I did enough to win,” said the still-undefeated Dezurn, who spars with his wife, women’s pro fighter Franchon Crews. “I’m just fortunate for this opportunity and hope [Lopez] and I can come back strong and fight again someday.”

The first round was a round of give-and-take where both Dezurn and Lopez landed and sustained an impressive amount of body punches. It was Lopez who originally appeared more subdued, foregoing the counterpunch as Dezurn worked the jab.

By the fifth round it was clear Dezurn was losing steam when Lopez began to break him down and force him against the ropes. Lopez went on to dominate the sixth and seventh rounds, when Dezurn, clearly out-fought, looked tired and began to lean over.

“After the first round, I dominated the action,” said Lopez, who has now fought on ShoBox a record-tying six times. Maybe [Dezurn] won the seventh, but I whipped him. I should have won the fight, this was a redemption for me. Once I got used to his speed, I feel I won rounds six to two. The whole fight, his back was against the ropes and I beat up his body.”

Trained by the famed Coach Barry Hunter, the still-undefeated Dezurn made a valiant comeback in the final round, where he came back to life.

“I thought it was fair,” Hunter said. “We came on in the middle rounds, and Glenn won the seventh and eighth to get us the draw. It all came down to the stretch and I thought we did enough to win those rounds.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, former knockdown-of-the-year candidate Joshua Greer Jr. (14-1-1, 6 KOs) stopped Leroy Davila (5-2, 3 KOs) after five rounds, when Davila’s corner called the fight at the conclusion of the fifth.

“The game plan was to box and hit hard, and that’s what I did,” said Greer, who earned a memorable knockout against James Gordon Smith in his last ShoBox appearance. “I had to put on a good show. I will fight whoever has the belts. I want to fight for a world title.”

The 23-year old Greer landed a number of aggressive combinations that had Davila against the ropes from the onset. While Davila appeared to come alive in the second round, the 29-year old southpaw became stationary and had trouble recovering from a shot to the face that had him bleeding out of the left side of his nose and struggling for the second half of the fourth and the fifth. His corner called the fight just after the bell sounded, ending the fifth round.

The event was co-promoted by GH3 Promotions and Holden Productions.

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, July 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing 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 69 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, Omar Figueroa, 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.

Weights
Keenan Smith 140 – Ivan Baranchyk 140
Kenneth Sims, Jr. 139.4 – Rolando Chinea 139.6
Glenn Dezurn 121.6 – Adam Lopez 121.8
Joshua Greer 117.4 – Leroy Davila 117

NON-TELEVISED WEIGHTS
Antoine Douglas 159.6 – Juan De Angel 168.4
Charles Conwell 155.6 – Rick Graham TBA
Isiah Steen 163.4 – Travis Nero TBA

MIAMI, Okla., (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and Ivan Baranchyk officially made weight on Thursday, one day before they headline a quadrupleheader tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.

Philadelphia’s rising prospect Smith (11-0, 5 KOs) takes on the hard-hitting Baranchyk (14-0, 10 KOs), who trains in Los Angeles and fights out of Miami. This will be Baranchyk’s fifth appearance on the ShoBox series, and his sixth consecutive fight in his adopted hometown of Miami.

“I respect all fighters, but he’s talking a little smack,” Smith said right after both fighters weighed in at exactly 140 pounds. “It doesn’t matter where we fight. I’ll fight him in his own backyard if I have to.”

Former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten when he meets aggressive five-year pro Roland Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.

Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) and Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) recently went the distance in a grueling eight-round super bantamweight bout that opened April 14’s ShoBox telecast, where Dezurn earned a unanimous decision. Both fighters return in the opening two bouts of tomorrow night’s telecast. Dezurn will take on ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight clash, where Lopez will make his record-tying sixth ShoBox appearance. Davila will battle Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) in the eight-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.

FINAL QUOTES:

KEENAN SMITH:
“I’ve been through a lot and it’s been hard, but I’ve been using it as motivation.

“I can box and I can punch. I’m not looking to go in and trade with this guy.

“I liked going away for camp for the first time. It made me focus and just kept my mind on boxing.

“I’m not worried about the hometown advantage.

“I’ve been training hard for this fight and tomorrow you’re going to see the best. We are looking to kill the beast. [Baranchyk] comes to fight, he swings a lot of wild punches. I’m a boxer and a puncher, I’m good at making fighters feel uncomfortable. It’s a blessing to be up here, and it’s a blessing to fight on ShoBox and it’s a big opportunity to move up the ladder.”

IVAN BARANCHYK:
“Training camp went great and we did eight weeks. I’m going to be shortening my punches up. I know Keenan is an American-style fighter and will be doing a lot of moving forward.

“I love knockouts and haven’t had one in my last three fights. I can’t wait to get another one tomorrow.”

“Everything is perfect in Los Angeles for me. The weather and the training are amazing.

“Everyone knows I had a great fight with Abel Ramos on ShoBox. It’s a pleasure people think that was the fight of the year, and maybe the best ever on ShoBox, but I’m just focused on the future.”

“I’m not going to talk much, I’m going to get inside the ring and do all my talking inside the ring.”

KENNETH SIMS JR.:
“I’ve had some good friends recently who have lost their lives, and it’s been emotional. I haven’t been using my head and I want to get back to boxing.

“I love punching to the body. I lot of people think I lack power, and I get hit with a lot of punches. My goal is to be a pure boxer and to keep putting my punches together. .

“I feel like I’m an exciting fighter. I’ve been fighting since I was 8 years old and I’ve put in the hard work.

“I think my jab is going to be the difference and a key in this fight. That and my footwork.

“I had a good training camp, no distractions. I was focused. I’m ready to put on a great show.”

ROLANDO CHINEA
“I’m a lot stronger than I was in my last fight. This is the best I’ve felt for any fight.

“My nine month layoff doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t make any difference

“I’ve been stalking Kenneth for a while now and we’ve watched a lot of tape of him.

“People still don’t believe in me, and I still have a chip on my shoulder. I’ve fought some experienced guys and tough guys on the ‘A’ side. I’m ready to move from the ‘B’ side to the ‘A’ side.

“I’m going to show I’m here for good. You are going to see a new Rolando Chinea tomorrow night.

“I’m a workhorse and at times I’m my own worst critic.

“I watched a lot of boxing growing up. Felix Trinidad was my favorite.”

GLENN DEZURN:

“I know people are still talking about the eighth round of my last fight on ShoBox against Davila, and the crowd was going crazy, but I never focus on the crowd. I just focus what I have to do in the ring.

“I’m an old-school fighter and I’ll fight anyone. We can go out in the back alley and fight.

“I loved Sugar Ray Robinson and the approach he took in his fights.

“But at the end of the day a lot of old-school fighters have had to just get it done, fight by fight, to keep putting food on the table.

“I don’t see this as a big step up for me. I’m a pro now and I do everything like a professional. It’s been hard work, but that’s what it takes to become a world champion.

“I’m honored to be fighting on SHOWTIME once again. I’m an entertaining fighter and I put a lot of pressure on myself.”

ADAM LOPEZ:

“I need to mature more as a fighter. I wasn’t as prepared for my last fight as I should have been.

“I should win this fight easy. I watch the ShoBox fights I’ve been in and I’ve used different styles.

“We’ve worked on everything for this fight: quickness, defense, movement. If he wants to bang it out I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

“I’ve busted my ass in the gym every day and I’m ready. This is where all the hard work pays off.

JOSHUA GREER

“My last knockout was a KO of the year candidate. Everyone knows I’m an exciting fighter and I’m a prospect looking to make things happen.

“The knockouts are addictive and it’s important to remember to stay humble and know who I am as a fighter. We’ll take them, but I’m not looking for the knockout.

“We’ve worked on the mistakes we’ve made in the past and corrected all the problems we’ve seen.

The pillow is only going to come out if there is some trash talking, and I know there will be. So you’ll be sure to see the ‘Night, Night’ pillow.”

LEROY DAVILA

“Last time I fought on ShoBox I did not strategize enough like I should have.

“He might bring the pillow into the ring, but it won’t make it out after the fight. He’ll be able to use it on himself.

“I’ve got to take him out of his game. I have to take away his biggest weapon, his right hand.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing 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 69 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, Omar Figueroa, 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.

NEW YORK (July 12, 2017) – Undefeated junior welterweight Keenan Smith (11-0, 5 KOs) arrived this morning in Miami, Oklahoma for his showdown with fellow undefeated Ivan Baranchyk (14-0, 10 KO’s), which will be the eight-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET / PT, delayed o the west coast)

In the co-feature, undefeated junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-0, 4 KO’s) of Chicago will take on Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, Pa. in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

In the televised opener, LeRoy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) of New Brunswick, New Jersey will battle Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Chicago in a bantamweight out. That will be followed by a super bantamweight bout between Adam Lopez (16-1-1, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas and Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) of Baltimore. Both bouts are also scheduled for eight-rounds.

# # #

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

NEW YORK (July 7, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith is ready and confident for his upcoming bout with Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk as the two prepare to meet in an eight-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.

Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.

In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap. Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November of 2015, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7, 26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.

Smith set up training camp in Southern Jersey, and has prepared for this bout with complete focus, and is ready to become a player in the junior welterweight division.

“Camp has been good, and I had a lot of top-notch sparring,” said Smith. “I have been doing a lot of strength and conditioning. This has been a wonderful camp, and on July 14th, the fans will see the best Keenan Smith.”

He continued: “My confidence is at 100%. I will beat him, and I am looking to kill The Beast.”

With a win over Baranchyk, Smith feels he can become an immediate contender at junior welterweight.

“The fight will open doors for me and get me bigger and better opportunities.”

Smith’s promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions is fully behind his fighter and believes a breakout performance is in store for July 14.

“This will be Keenan’s chance to show what we already know: That he is a vastly talented fighter who has the goods to go a long way in this sport,” Mielnicki said. “He has the pedigree and now this is the stage where he becomes a real commodity in boxing. We are looking for a shining performance on July 14.”

Smith is trained by his brother Lemar Smith, and is managed by Doc Nowicki and David Price.

# # #

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

NEW YORK (June 8, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and rising adopted local favorite, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk meet in an eight-round bout in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in
Miami, Okla.

The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.

Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, Pa. will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.

In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap. Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

“I am excited to put on another terrific ShoBox card,” said Vito Mielnicki, founder of GH3 Promotions. “This is the type of card is what ShoBox is all about. Four evenly matched pairings that have the potential to be action packed fights. I think the fans who watch this show will come away thoroughly entertained.”

“I’m happy to have the Four State Franchise back on ShoBox,” said Tony Holden. “I am happy to have my fighter Ivan Batanchyk in a real step-up bout against an undefeated fighter southpaw like Keenan Smith. I think this will be a great fight.”

Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.

KEENAN SMITH vs. IVAN BARANCHYK – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November 2016, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7, 26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.

“This is a very big fight for me,” said the Smith, who turned pro in 2010. “Perhaps the biggest fight of my career. I’m stepping up in opposition and I’m ready for what’s to come. I am training three times a day and I’m in the best shape of my life.

“I know Baranchyk comes to fight, but I also know his weaknesses. I’m ready for his wild swings. I’m ready to be the main event in a nationally televised fight. Needless to say, a win will bring bigger and even better opportunities. I can’t wait.”

As an amateur, Smith went 72-4 with victories over Amir Iman and Abel Ramos, who fought Baranchyk in a back-and-forth brawl in his last outing.

Baranchyk is an offensive-minded amateur standout that packs power in both hands. He won nine consecutive fights by knockout before scoring a 10-round unanimous decisions over Wilberth Lopez and Zhimin Wang on ShoBox. In his last outing on Feb. 10, Baranchyk edged Abel Ramos in an entertaining slugfest that was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.

“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to come back to fight on ShoBox again,” said the 5-foot-10 Baranchyk. “Smith is a tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.

“I’m not going to downplay him – he is a good opponent. I’ll be alert and I’ll pay attention to what he brings on, but I’m battle-tested. He hasn’t faced anybody like me. I’ll gladly hand him his first loss and move a step closer in my pursuit of a world title.”

The 24-year-old Baranchyk has scored two first-round knockouts on ShoBox in bouts that lasted a combines 2:49. All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. This is his sixth start at Buffalo Run Casino.

KENETH SIMS JR. vs. ROLANDO CHINEA – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his secondShoBox appearance.

The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro – he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. In his last outing, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.

“I have seen [Rolando} Chinea fight twice. He is a pressure fighter,” said Sims. “He is nothing that I haven’t seen before. I’m ready for him. Another wins keeps me moving forward to my ultimate goal of being a world champion one day.

“I wasn’t satisfied with my last performance. I got the win, but I was not at my best. A win over someone like Chinea will help me prove I’m better than what you last saw of me.”

The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather). He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.
Chinea, a 5-foot-8, 26-year-old from Lancaster, Pa., is returning to ShoBox after winning an eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster in July of 2016. He went 10-0-1 before the only loss of his career, an eight-round decision to Ismail Muwendo in April 2015. He’s won four straight since, including two unanimous decisions over previously undefeated Ladarius Miller and Mel Crossty.

“I am honored to be back on ShoBox, where I made my first TV appearance,” said Chinea. “Sims was an accomplished amateur with a deep pedigree. He is tall with a good reach. He is a very good boxer, but I’m better.

“It’s going to be a rough fight. I am prepared and in great shape. A win will get me one step closer to some type of title fight down the line. I am just looking at right now and getting this win. By the end of the year, I see myself moving into contention if all goes well.”

GLENN DEZURN vs. ADAM LOPEZ – Eight-Round Bantamweight Bout

The undefeated Dezurn was a three-sport star athlete in high school and an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter. The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut. Dezurn returns to ShoBox after a toe-to-toe matchup against Leroy Davila on July 14 that could have gone either way. His former foe, Davila, is featured in the opening bout of the telecast.

The 5-foot-4, 29-year-old will face his toughest test to date against ShoBox alum Adam Lopez.

“I’m excited to come back to the ring and I’m extremely focused,” said the 29-year-old Dezurn. “My opponent is experienced and had a good amateur career but he doesn’t intimidate me.

“Any win takes my career to where I want to go-upwards. It doesn’t matter that Lopez is more experienced and a regular on ShoBox. My motto is to keep working hard. I stay focused and I will get where I need to be. Every win is the same, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., is a prototypical ShoBox prospect-turned-contender. He’s 3-1-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers: Mario Muniz (11-0), Eliezer Aquino (17-0-1) and knocking out Pablo Cruz (11-0) in the second round. Lopez boxed a 12-round draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22, 2016, and in his most recent outing he was stopped by Daniel Roman in the ninth in a WBA Bantamweight Title Eliminator bout.

The 26-year-old now comes back to the series in a must-win situation. He has left his longtime trainer Ronnie Shields and is now training with Shakur Stevenson’s trainer Willie “Wali” Moses.

“I am having a good camp, and I’m now training with Wali Moses,” Lopez said. “He is helping me sharpen my boxing skills and getting me to use my footwork. I’m happy to have another chance to be on ShoBox and I know I need to put on a good performance. They are giving me another chance to prove myself and I can’t let it slip away.

“I saw Dezurn’s win over Davila. He is a rough guy who has a lot of dog in him. He brings the fight to you and he is a tough. It’ll be a good fight. A win will propel me close to where I was. I was knocking on the door of a title shot; now I just want to get this win, redeem myself and move on.”

JOSHUA GREER vs. LEROY DAVILA – Eight-Round Super Bantamweight Bout

Greer is a 22-year-old former Chicago Golden Gloves Champion that has won 10 in a row since his lone loss, a majority decision against Stephen Fulton Jr. in 2015. He has stopped Cristian Renteria in the fifth round and previously unbeaten Juan Gabriel Medina via unanimous decision. Nicknamed “Don’t Blink” after his speed and punching power, Greer returns to ShoBox after delivering an impressive performance with KO candidate of the year victory over James Smith.

“I was not shocked about my last KO on ShoBox,” said Greer. “I brought a pillow with me to the ring because I knew I was going to put him to sleep.

“Davila is an average fighter, but I give him respect. I treat every opponent as a world title fight. A win would keep moving my career in the direction I want to go. It keeps me moving up in the rankings. It keeps me moving as a potential superstar on my way to a world title. Don’t Blink.”

The two-time national amateur champion and 2006 Olympic alternate Davila is looking to rebound from his loss to Dezurn on ShoBox in April-a close fight that could have gone either way.

“I am focused on this fight. I got good feedback from my first ShoBox appearance, even though I didn’t get the win” said Davila. “Every fight is the same to me, just a different opponent. I put my work in and do my best.

“Greer is a tough fighter. He looks to throw his right hand, which is something to watch for. Other than that, I don’t know much about him. A win will make me feel better as a fighter. I just fight the fights and I let my team take care of the rest.”

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.