NEW YORK – April 23, 2019 – Undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa will face once-beaten and top-15 ranked contender Luis Alberto Lopez in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, May 10 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

The 22-year-old Villa (15-0, 5 KOs) returns in a 10-round bout for his second consecutive test on the prospect developmental series after dispatching then-unbeaten Ruben Cervera in the first ShoBox telecast of 2019. The two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted prospect Villa will take on the Mexican Lopez (17-1, 8 KOs), who is coming off an upset victory over Ray Ximenez in his U.S. debut in February.

In the co-feature, fast-rising 21-year-old Texan Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) will take on fellow undefeated prospect and former Chilean National Champion Ramon Mascarena Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round contest. In the opening bout of the tripleheader that features six fighters with a combined two losses, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) battles Mexican Brandon Leon Benitez (14-1, 6 KOs).

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, are priced at $125, $75 and $60 and can be purchased online at www.thompsonboxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

“This ShoBox show brings back former amateur standout Ruben Villa in his toughest test to date as he continues his quest to turn from prospect to contender,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation. “We get to see for the first time unbeaten Michael Dutchover, who went 130-17 in the amateurs, and now faces his first unbeaten opponent. In the opener, we have ShoBox newcomer and unbeaten Saul Sanchez who will try to stand out against a once beaten opponent. All three top amateurs, top pro prospects and looking to make a name for themselves as must see fighter. Only time will tell.”

“I am very excited for Ruben [Villa] and Michael {Dutchover],” said Artie Pelullo, President and CEO, Banner Promotions. Ruben is headlining the May 10 ShoBox in just his second time on the network. There is a lot of pressure on this 22-year-old, as he is expected to achieve and produce great things due to his amateur background. Michael is the diamond in the rough. Also an amateur standout who has power in either hand, he is looking for this SHOWTIME event to be his coming out party. The best thing I can say about Ruben and Michael is that there’s a lot of pressure on these two young men to perform at the highest level, and I believe they are absolutely up for it and they look forward to prove that they can make a mark in their respective weight classes. The pressure doesn’t seem to bother them.”

“This is our 19th anniversary and what better way to celebrate it than with three of our top prospects fighting on ShoBox,” said Ken Thompson, President, Thompson Boxing. “It will be a real pleasure to put on a heck of a show alongside our friend Artie Pelullo as we witness Ruben [Villa], Michael [Dutchover] and Saul [Sanchez] take huge steps towards stardom.”

Villa, who started boxing when he was just five years old, compiled an impressive 166-17 record as an amateur. The Salinas, Calif. native was a two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion. He owns impressive amateur victories over Shakur Stevenson, Davin Haney and Gary Antonio Russell.

Villa has registered 15 consecutive professional victories since turning pro in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials, including a dominating unanimous decision over Cervera in hisShoBox debut in January. A legitimate prospect, Villa hopes to continue his rapid ascension in the featherweight ranks with an impressive showing against Lopez.

“I am very excited to get the opportunity to headline on ShoBox after being the co-feature earlier this year,” said Villa. “I have been working really hard and getting good sparring in Riverside. My opponent is 17-1, and he has won some regional titles. He is no stick in the mud. I know he comes forward and that should make for an exciting fight. I am looking to put on a great performance because I know a win will open doors for bigger fights.”

Lopez, a native of Mexicali, Mexico, is coming off the biggest win of his career. In his U.S. debut and first fight outside of Mexico, Lopez won a technical decision over prospect Ray Ximenez to pick up the vacant WBO International Featherweight title. Ranked the No. 11 featherweight in the world by the WBO, the 21-year-old Lopez has won his last five bouts since suffering his only defeat as a pro to Abraham Montoya in 2018.

“I have a belt for a reason and I’m going to defend it proudly on May 10,” said Lopez. “I know Ruben Villa is regarded as a top prospect, but I know I’m better than him and I’m planning to show the world on May 10th.”

The 21-year-old Dutchover, from Midland, Texas, began boxing when he was eight years old compiling a notable amateur record. He was a runner-up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. Turning pro in 2016 at the age of 18, Dutchover has won his first 12 professional fights, including knockouts in his last four bouts.

“I’m very excited, I’ve been working for this opportunity all my life,” said Dutchover, who now trains in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Danny Zamora. “I know my opponent is tough and durable. Being on ShoBox is a great opportunity and it is the next steppingstone to reach my ultimate goal, and that is to become world champion.”

Chilean-born Mascarena, who currently resides in Tijuana, Mexico and trains in San Diego, Calif., turned pro in 2017 and has compiled a perfect record through his first ten contests-all within just 12 months. Fighting exclusively in his home country, Mascarena will finally be able to make his U.S. debut after he had a fight fall through in late 2018 and a second fight cancelled in February. Mascarena, who has fought mostly at 140 pounds, has not fought since his unanimous decision victory over Hector Medina 10 months ago.

“I’ve been in top share for a while now, I was set to fight in February but my fight got cancelled,” said the 25-year-old Mascarena. “I come from a family of boxers and we take the sweet science very seriously. On May 10, I will not only be fighting to make a good impression in my U.S. debut, I will be fighting for my family and my entire country. I will make them proud.”

The 21-year-old Sanchez, of Encino, Calif., began boxing when he was eight and compiled an amateur record of 90-18 before turning pro at 19 years old. Fighting exclusively in his home state of California, Sanchez has built up an 11-0 record under famed trainer Joel Diaz. The brother of featherweight prospect Emilio Sanchez, Saul is coming off a majority decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra but faces a stiff step-up in competition against Benitez.

“I’ve always dreamed of having an opportunity like this,” said Sanchez. “To fight on national television against a tough guy like Benitez. I know this fight will not be easy, but I’m ready. I will shine on May 10.”

Benitez, from Queretaro, Mexico, has stayed busy in late 2018 and early 2019, fighting four times in a span of six months. The 21-year-old, who fought 186 times as an amateur, is the lone blemish on featherweight prospect Chaise Nelson’s resume. Benitez has won five fights in a row since the only loss of his career, which came to then 10-0 and current 20-0 Mexican Irving Turrubiartes.

“I’m young and hungry and I know Saul Sanchez is a great opponent for me, but I’m not concerned about him,” said Benitez. “I don’t think he does anything special in the ring. I do, I’m confident I will win. I’m going for the KO.”

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 Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean 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 79 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, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2018) – Top prospect Michael Dutchover (11-0, 8 KOs) weighed in successfully at Thursdays weigh in, measuring 134 lbs., while veteran Ruben Tamayo (25-11-4, 18 KOs) came in at the identical weight.

Dutchover vs. Tamayo comprises the 8-round “Locked n’ Loaded” main event of Thompson Boxing’s season finale tonight, Nov. 16, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Dutchover, who turned 21 on Thursday, will look for his fifth win on the year.

“The only thing I want as a birthday present is another win,” said Dutchover, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’ve prepared well and I’m ready to put on a show just like I always do.”

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via our Facebook page.

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

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

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

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2018) – The fast-rising Michael Dutchover (11-0, 8 KOs), with four solid wins on the year, aims to close out 2018 with another victory on Friday, Nov. 16, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Dutchover, who will turn 21 the day before the event, will fight veteran and former world title challenger Daulis Prescott (31-9, 24 KOs) in the 8-round main event of Thompson Boxing’s “Locked n’ Loaded” season finale.

Dutchover, a junior lightweight fighting out of Midland, Tex., has had a breakout year of sorts with his recent display of power punching. His last three wins have come by way of knockout, including a sensational second round, one-punch destruction of Sergio Martinez in July.

Prior to that, the West Texas warrior, who trains in Los Angeles, removed Mike Fowler in three rounds. Two months ago in September, Dutchover stopped Bergman Aguilar in the fifth.

Dutchover, however, understands the Colombian-born Prescott poses a far more serious challenge than any other foe he has faced this year, or in his young career.

“This year was all about elevating my level of competition,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by industry veterans Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing .”Prescott is battle tested and will be ready to fight. I love a challenge and I’m embracing it.”

Dutchover’s confidence is a direct result of the high-level sparring he receives on a routine basis from the many top-notch gyms in the Los Angeles area.

“I’ve been in with some of the top names in the sport and they all teach me something different,” Dutchover said. “Danny Roman, Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno are a few that come to mind. They are incredible boxers and good people too. I’m fortunate to have met them this early in my career.”

All fights will be live streamed on via our Facebook page.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Josesito Lopez 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. 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. 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

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2018) – Michael Dutchover (10-0, 7 KOs), a fast rising talent in the junior lightweight division, headlines a prospect rich card on Friday, Sept. 21, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Dutchover collides with once-beaten Luis Alberto Lopez (12-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico in the “New Blood” 8-round main event.

Dutchover, 20, hails from Midland, Tex., but has relocated to Santa Fe Springs, Calif. to take advantage of the rich sparring readily available to him in the greater Los Angeles area.

“I first came out to Santa Fe Springs the summer before my senior year of high school,” Dutchover said. “That’s when I met my current trainer Danny Zamora. He put me in with world champ Darleys Perez [WBA lightweight]. After that experience, I knew once I turned professional that I would want to live and train in this area.”

To prepare for Lopez, Dutchover has been clocking rounds against current WBA super bantamweight champion Danny Roman. The former cross country standout at Midland High School credits the elite level sparring for his rapidly evolving game.

“You have to be patient against guys like Danny Roman,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “He is too skilled for you to walk in there and think you are going to lay gloves on him. That’s been my biggest growth area. Just learning how to settle into a patient rhythm and capitalize on angels once I see them.”

Dutchover’s patience was on display in his latest outing, a second round, one-punch destruction of Sergio Martinez in July.

“I was setting him up from the first round,” Dutchover said. “He was leaving himself open and throwing lazy jabs. I sat on the right moment and delivered a right hand that ended his night.”

For his fight against the little known Lopez, Dutchover will rely on the experience he’s built up to this point.

“He has a good record on paper, but I know he hasn’t fought the level of talent that I have,” remarked Dutchover. “I’m heading into the fight with a lot of confidence.”

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.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 23, 2018) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (10-0, 7 KOs), captivated a sold-out crowd with an electrifying one-punch knockout of Sergio Ramirez (4-3, 4 KOs) Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The closeout punch, a right hand on Ramirez’s chin, occurred at the :43 mark of the second round.

WATCH BELOW

“I timed it just right,” said the 20-year-old Dutchover. “He came at me with a lazy punch, and I just unloaded that right hand, and he dropped like a fly.”

Dutchover barely broke a sweat in his tenth career win. The Texas native, who conducts his training camps in Los Angeles with trainer and manager Danny Zamora, made his 8-round debut, but clearly didn’t need the rounds to score what is likely his most emphatic win to date.

“You go into every fight expecting a tough challenge,” Dutchover said. “I was ready to go the full eight rounds, but I’m glad I was able to end it early and give the fans something to talk about.”

Dutchover 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

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 19, 2018) – Talented junior lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover (9-0, 6 KOs) aims to continue the hot start to his career when he battles Sergio Ramirez (4-2, 4 KOs) in the “Path to Glory” main event this
Friday night at the Doubletree in Ontario, California

The pair weighed in at Thursday’s weigh in, with Dutchover reaching the contract weight limit of 133 lbs., while the challenging Ramirez was slightly under at 132.5 lbs.

The marquee attraction is Dutchover’s first since turning professional nearly two years ago. The 20-year-old out of Midland, Tex. is riding a wave of confidence heading into Friday’s fight.

“I spar with wold champions and contenders all the time so I’m ready to put on a great show,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I put in an excellent training camp just like always. I can go the full eight rounds if I need to, but I don’t think I will.”

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

Photos by Carlos Baeza / 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