Philadelphia, PA / Ontario, California (April 17, 2017)–This past Friday night, two highly regarded Prospects, featherweight Ruben Villa and junior lightweight Michael Dutchover each made a big splash in their East Coast debut’s as they took out opponents Luis Diaz and Eder Amaro at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.

Villa stopped Luis Diaz in the 6th and final round of their bout, while Dutchover took out Amaro after the 3rd round of their scheduled six-round bout.

With the wins, the 19 year-olds (Villa turned 20 on Sunday), Villa raised his perfect mark to 5-0 with three knockouts, Dutchover kept his perfect stoppage streak, and is now 4-0 with 4 knockouts.

Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

“I was very proud of both Ruben and Michael. They did terrific. It was their first fight on the East Coast in their young career’s. They both performed at the high level that I always knew they would, and I am more than pleased about the progress they continue to make with each outing,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“In their knockout wins, both Ruben and Michael showed great command of the ring,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “They are far more advanced than their records would indicate. It hasn’t been even a year since their professional debuts and we’ve already seen tremendous growth.”

Oxon Hill, Md. (March 28, 2017) -Highly regarded and undefeated prospects, Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover will make their East Coast debuts as part of the non-televised undercard before a championship tripleheader on Friday night, April 14th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Villa and Dutchover will fight on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live SHOWTIME telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT). In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.

Villa of Salinas, California will see action in a six-round featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California will compete in a six -round junior lightweight contest.

Villa has a record of 4-0 with two knockouts and will be looking to continue his winning ways on April 14th.

The two-time National Golden Glove winner, turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina, and his young career has been highlighted by a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Aaron Lopez (4-0).

The 19 year-old Villa had a steller amateur career, which consisted of the aforementioned Golden Gloves wins, but also he was a champion of the Desert Showdown, National PAL, Silver Gloves and two-time National Silver Gloves champion. He finished 2nd in the 2015 Olympic Trials and finished up his amateur career with an astonishing 164-17 record. Ruben split four amateur contests with eventual 2016 Olympic Silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.

“I am pretty excited to be on this card. I trained three weeks in Big Bear, California. I have had great sparring, and this has been a really good camp,’ said Villa.

“This is a real exciting opportunity. I am just going in there and do what I do best, and look good in front of the East Coast fans.”

“I have been working very hard, I have been working with a new coach named Max Garcia to go along with my head trainer Danny Zamora, and I feel real strong.”

Dutchover, 19 years-old was 130-17 as an amateur and was a runner up in the 2016 National Golden Gloves tournament at 132 pounds.

Dutchover began his career by stopping previously undefeated Cesar Partida in three rounds on October 21st . He has stopped all three of his opponents, which includes a devastating 1st round stoppage over Jose Mora on February 10th.

“I am excited for this opportunity to fight on the East Coast. I am looking forward to showing my skill set to a new audience,” said Dutchover.

“This is my first big card where there will be a world title on the card and I will be prepared more then I ever have. I am in great condition and I am ready to show my talent on the other side of the country.”

“It is most important that I get this win, and if I can get my 4th straight knockout, that would be great. I am just looking to set up my shots and put on a great performance.”

“We are really looking forward to showcasing these two fine young fighters on April 14th,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.

“They have thrilled fans in California over their first handful of fights, and now fans on the East Coast will get to see why we are very high on Ruben and Michael. Fighting in different parts of the country will help raise their profiles, and we expect them to have terrific performances on April 14th.”

Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

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.

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Philadelphia, PA / Ontario, California (February 10, 2017)–TONIGHT at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, two highly regarded prospects will be in action as undefeated featherweight Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover will make their 1st appearances in 2017.

Ruben Villa 128 lbs – Francisco Camacho 128 lbs

Villa (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Salinas, California will take on 9 fight veteran Francsico Camacho, while Dutchover (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Santa Fe Springs, California will battle Jose Mora.

Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Both fights are scheduled for 4 rounds.

“Everything is going well. I had a great training camp. I sparred with (world title challenger) Oscar Escandon and Victor Pasillas,” said Villa.

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent. He has lost to some good prospects, but I let my trainer do the research. I just train and fight.”

Being that it is Villa’s 1st full year as fighter, Villa has goals, both in this fight and throughout 2017.

“Hopefully I can get some rounds in on Friday. That will give me more ring experience. I am looking for 5 or 6 fights this year, and just want to stay active. I think I will fight 1 or 2 more 4-round fights and then it will be onto 6-round fights. I just want to be able to show what I can do. It’s great to get those 1st round knockouts, but it doesn’t show all my skills. I want to show the fans all that I can do.”

Michael Dutchover 129.1 lbs – Jose Mora 124.8 lbs

Dutchover, who turned professional on October 21st, is ready to start the year off in impressive fashion.

“Training has been great. I feel strong and confident,”said the 19 year-old Dutchover.

“I don’t know much about him other than he has had a few fights, but it should be a good test for me.”

Like Villa, look for Dutchover to stay active in 2017.

“This is my first fight in 2017, and I am ready to start the year off with a bang. I am just going to work my game plan and come out victorious. It’s going to be a very busy year. I been working hard with my trainer Danny Zamaora, I think I will fight 5 or 6 times this year. But first things first, and that is to start off the year off in a good fashion on Friday, and keep it going.”

“We are looking forward to Ruben and Michael getting started in 2017,” said Artie Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions. “This will be a good year for them as the fans will really get to know them. We plan to keep them very busy. We feel by this time next year, they will be on everybody’s prospect lists as stars of the future.”

“Both Ruben and Michael are anxious to start 2017 with compelling wins,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “We plan on keeping them busy this year. The plan is to elevate their level of competition as the year goes on. Ruben and Michael are immensely talented prospects with world championship potential. It’s only a matter of time before they become household names.”

Photos By Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

CORONA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – Taras “The Real Deal Shelestyuk, Xolisani Ndongeni,and Ruben Villa all remained undefeated this past Friday night at the Omega Events Center in Corona, California.

Shelestyuk (15-0, 9 KOs), the 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist for Ukraine, was victorious by the scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94. Despite a gutsy, gritty performance, Herrera (15-4-1, 8 KOs), of Chicago, IL., had a 3-fight winning streak end. There were no knockdowns.

Southpaw Shelestyuk, who entered the ring ranked No. 9 in the WBO and No. 13 in the WBA, turned back a determined bid by Herrera to win, despite getting docked a point for excessive holding in the fifth round.

“It was a tough fight,” stated Shelestyuk. “He is a tough fighter; he is slow, but he worked well. In the first round, I did well but my legs went on me. I think it was because I did not sleep well.

“After five rounds, I started to find my rhythm. I started boxing him. I made some mistakes in there like pulling straight back. This fight will make me better. Like I said, he was tough but nothing special. When my legs went, I started to work inside. I beat him good in the last round and if there was 30 seconds more, I could have stopped him.

“I am looking forward to being more active in 2017. I will take two or three weeks off and be right back in the gym.”

“The Truth” hurts, and Herrera had more than his fair share of moments in a tight fight. Herrera, a professional since December 2009, figured to be a legitimate test for Shelestyuk, and he was. But Taras was more active, (landing 169 of 689 punches, compared to Herrera’s 130 of 460). Each fighter connected 28 percent of the time.

Herrera, who had defeated undefeated prospects in four of his previous nine fights, was not happy with the verdict. “It was a good fight. There is not much that I can say. I thought it was closer than the scores indicated. I had fun in there, and I give him credit. He was everything I expected. He is a smart fighter.”

“I would love to be a test dummy for all these young prospects. I thought it could have been a draw, but the people who saw it on TV can have their opinion.”

Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Opening up the ShoBox broadcast, Vitor Jones Freitas was stopped in the first round by Manuel Mendez. The fight was stopped after Mendez landed a thudding body shot that sent the previously undefeated Brazilian down for the ten count, breaking his rib.

In non-television action, Ndongeni showed why he is considered championship worthy, as he pounded out a ten-round unanimous decision over rugged Juan Garcia Mendez.

Ndongeni controlled the action as he mixed up his punches. He countered beautifully and worked up and down by mixing up his shots to the head and body of Mendez. Ndongeni, 26 years-old, is ranked number-3 by the WBA, and he showed the class of a world championship contender in his American debut.

Ndongeni, nicknamed “Nomeva”, which means The Wasp, stung Mendez throughout the contest, and he showed that not only is he a serious title contender, but he has a fan-friendly style.

Ndongeni is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Golden Gloves Promotions.

Villa, of Salinas, California, was taken the distance for the first time, as he won a 4-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Aaron Lopez.

Villa, who previously scored two consecutive first round knockouts, won every round by showing off his boxing skills in the battle of undefeated fighters.

The 19 year-old Villa pushed the pace throughout the fight and had Lopez in trouble several times. Villa has been very active, as this was his 3rd win since turning professional on July 29th.

“I am very proud of Taras, Xolisani, and Ruben,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.

“These are three guys at different stages, but I believe that all three have the talent to become world champions. Taras is closing in on a significant fight, for which a win will lead him to a title. This was our first look at Xolisani, and he was the fighter that was advertised. He has a lot of skills and is a versatile. My partner Rodney Berman and Iwill now look at the many options that we will have with him. I do expect him to fight for a world title sometime in the next year. Ruben had a tremendous learning experience. He fought a guy who was undefeated and very durable. He actually showed us more in this fight than he did in his two first round knockouts. In this fight he won all four round on every judges scorecards (40-36 on all cards). I was very impressed with the different punch selections and the way he set everything up in there. As I have said before, he is a star in the making. As for Vitor, he had the right attitude following the fight. He is not going to let this deter him. He just got caught with the wrong punch at the wrong time. He was winning the round easily before that happened. He will obviously take some time off, and then we will look to bring him back next year.”

Philadelphia, PA./Corona CA. (Oct. 25, 2016) – World ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni and highly regarded featherweight prospect Ruben Villa will headline a terrific undercard on Friday night, November 4th at the Omega Products International Events Center in Corona, California.

Ndongeni of East Cape, South Africa has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and is ranked number-2 by the WBA.

The 26 year-old will be making his American debut against Juan Garcia Mendez (19-1-1, 12 KO’s) of Mexicali, Mexico in a bout scheduled for ten-rounds.

Ndongeni turned professional in 2010 and is the IBO Lightweight champion and former South African Super Featherweight & Lightweight champion. Among his 21 wins is a win over former world champion Mzonke Fana. In his last bout, Ndongeni scored a 1st round stoppage over Emilio Norfat on April 22nd in East London, South Africa.

Ndongeni is promoted is Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves Promotions.

Mendez, 24 years-old, is a 7 year professional, and is on a five-fight winning streak. In his last bout, Mendez stopped Roman Mendez in 1 round on May 29, 2015 in Mexicali, Mexico.

Villa of Salinas, California has a record of 2-0 with 2 1st-round knockouts.

The 19 year-old was a two-time National Golden Glove Champion, 2-time Jr. Olympics Champion, and 2015 Olympic Trials runner-up, and he holds two victories over 2016 Olympic silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.

He turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina. Villa followed that up with a first round stoppage over Jose Mora on September 23rd in Ontario, California.

Villa’s opponent in the scheduled four-round bout will be announced shortly.

In a 4-round super flyweight bout, Danny Andujo (2-0, 1 KO) of Temcula, California will battle Joel Cano (0-3) of Ciudad, Mexico.

Jonathan Esquivel of Anaheim, California will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions & Thompson, are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.

Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will face upset-minded Jaime Herrera in the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, NY by way of Moldova, and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC Continental Americas titles.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, CA, in an 8-round bout. The 23-year-old Freitas is the nephew of popular former four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.

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.

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About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince 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 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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.

Onatario, CA. (September 23, 2016)–Heralded featherweight prospect Ruben Villa made it two-for-two in first round stoppages as he took out Jose Mora at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa dropped Mora with a right hook, and then stepped on the gas with a flurry of power punches until the fight was stopped at 2:31.

Villa of Salinas, California is now with two knockouts.

“Ruben has been very impressive in his first two outings,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “We will have him back on November 4th on the undercard of our fight card in Corona, California.”

“The fight went as expected,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Ruben was sensational in earning his second straight knockout win. It’s very early in his career, but you can already tell how special he is.”

Onatario, CA. (September 23, 2016)–Heralded prospect Ruben Villa (1-0, 1 KO) will make his 2nd professional start when he takes on Jose Mora on TONIGHT at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa of Salinas, California is looking for his second straight impressive performance after stopping Gerardo Molina in the first round of his debut on July 29th in the same venue.

Villa weighed in at 125.2 pounds, while Mora was 122.3 pounds at Thursday’s weigh-in.

Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo stated, “We are excited to get Ruben back in the ring tonight. He had a sensational debut, and we expect tonight to be no different. With a win, we have him penciled in to come back on November 4th.”

“Everyone is excited to see Ruben again,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing. “He created quite a stir in his pro debut in July and there’s a lot of buzz heading into his second fight.”

“We are looking forward to see the progression of a great athlete,” said Alex Camponovo of Thompson Boxing. “He has prepared well, and we will see another outstanding performance from Ruben.”

Photo By Carlos Baeza/ Thompson Boxing

Onatario, CA. (July 30, 2016)–Heralded amateur Ruben Villa (1-0, 1 KO) did not waste any time putting away challenger Gerardo Molina (1-2, 1 KO) this past Friday night in his professional debut. Villa landed a counter left hook early in the first round that sent Molina backpedaling onto the canvas. Seconds later, Villa, who is from Salinas, Calif., rocked Molina with a series of punches, knocking him out at the 2:25 mark of the opening round.

“It felt great to get that first win,” Villa said. “I didn’t go in thinking knockout, but I knew after the first knockdown that I was going to end it early. I had a bunch of friends and family in attendance. I’m glad I gave them something to smile about.”

“Ruben looked sensational in his pro debut,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo. “Even though it was just inside of one round, you could tell that Ruben is a tremendous talent, and we are looking forward to his next fight, which should be announced shortly.

“Ruben looked fantastic tonight,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He gave us a glimpse into his immense potential. Ruben has a very bright future ahead of him and we are excited to continue to feature him on our Southern California shows.”

Villa is co-promoted through Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Photos By Carlos Baeza/ Thompson Boxing

Philadelphia, PA / Orange, CA. (July 26, 2016)–Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of amateur standout Ruben Villa to a co-promotional contract.

The 19 year-old Villa of Salinas, California compiled an outstanding record of 166-17 in the unpaid ranks that included two National Junior Golden Gloves titles and two National Golden Gloves championships at 123 pounds.

Ruben did not make the U.S. Olympic team due to his struggles to make 123 pounds in the Olympic Trials. He will campaign as a professional in the featherweight division (126 lbs).

“I am excited, and I have been working very hard to get to this point. I cannot wait to turn professional,” said Villa.
“It is very cool to sign with two great promoters. We were offered the opportunity, and we took it.”

“As for the Olympic trials I was disappointed, yet happy at the same time. I was happy to make it that far, and now I am ready for the next phase of my career.”

Villa began boxing at the age of five when his family, who were big boxing fans, took young Ruben to the gym.

That spawned his amateur career, which saw him reach the number-1 national ranking at 123 pounds and saw him defeat eventual United States Olympian Shakur Stevenson.

“He is a good fighter, and I hope he wins a medal and at some point we can break the tie in our fights against each other. I see that as a big fight down the line in the pros.”

Villa defeated Stevenson in the National Golden Gloves and Olympic Trials.

The 5’6″ Villa is managed and trained by Danny Zamora. Zamora performs the same roles with world-ranked NABA, NABO, NABF and Boxicino 2014 lightweight champion Petr Petrov.

Villa describes his style as a boxer who uses angles and does not get hit much.

“My boxing influences are a bit of Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alavrez.”

Ruben’s family and friends are not only a big part of his life, but also part of his success.

“My parents started me in boxing, and they have been extremely supportive in this. I also have 4 sisters (Ruben is the 2nd oldest of the 5 children), and they are very supportive as well. ”

Villa has sparred with Petrov, Bruno Escalante and Manuel Avilla, and that has given him a good gage on where he is at as he embarks on his career.

“I do well with those guys. I can hold my own, and those guys are great professionals. It gives me confidence as I start out.”

“Whenever you have the chance to sign someone as talented and as gifted as Ruben Villa, you jump at that opportunity,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Villa comes to us from an accomplished amateur background. He has all the traits you look for in a prospect – tremendous skill set, positive attitude, and a love for the sport. He has an outstanding future ahead of him.”

Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions stated, “We are very excited by the signing of Ruben. He has all the makings of a future star. I can see big things in his future, as he has great ability, a pro-style and the intangibles to be a great fighter for a long time. We are very familiar with Ruben’s team, and we have a great relationship with his manager, Danny Zamora. We are eager to start Ruben on his journey to become a world champion.”

“Ruben is a great prospect, a top amateur and an Olympic alternate,” said Villa’s Manager Danny Zamora. “I believe he will be a world champion. I met Ruben through his trainer Rudy Puga, and I have been following him for three years. I feel that he has all the makings to be a star.”

Villa will turn professional this Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California on a Thompson Boxing card that will be headlined by Jose Roman taking on Carlos Cardenas

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Los Angeles, CA–Noted boxing manager Danny Zamora is proud to announce the signing of featherweight prospect Ruben Villa IV and undefeated Super Bantamweight Jhordy Ramirez to exclusive managerial contracts.

Villa of Salinas, California placed 2nd at the 2015 United States Olympic Trials which culminated an outstanding career which saw him accumulate a record of 165-17.

Villa also was the 2014 & 2015 National Golden Gloves champion as well as the 2012 & 2013 Olympic Junior National Champion.

“I just want to thank my family for always being there for me and allowing me to follow my dreams of becoming a professional boxer,” Said Villa. “I can’t wait to turn pro. I have a great team in Manager Danny Zamora, trainer Rudy Puga , cutman Mike Rodriguez, and my sponsors SNAC and WAR Tape.”

Jhordy Ramirez following a win

Ramirez of Santa Maria, California has a record of 2-0 with one knockout, also was a distinguished amateur as he went 71-16 and won Won Desert Show Tournament in 2008, Oxnard Pal Adidas Tournament in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as well as the BCR Belt at Fantasy Springs 2014 and 2015.

He turned professional on November 20, 2015 with a first round stoppage over Joel Cano. The 20 year-old Ramirez won a 4-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Diaz in February 12th in Ontario, California.

Along with Zamora, Ramirez is co-managed by Zenon and David Balderas. Ramirez trains alongside 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.

Said Danny Zamora, ” Jhordy is a very good fighter and best of all he is a good young man. He trains and attends college at the same time. I truly believe that Jhordy and Ruben are two great acquisitions to my stable that also includes 2012 Olympian Lightweight Cesar Villarraga who is 8-1 4 KO’s , Super Middleweight Rudy Puga Jr. who is 7-0 6 KO’s & Petr Petrov who is 36-4-2 with 17 KO’s and is considered one of the top Lightweights in the world as he is ranked number-three by the WBA, number-five by the WBO and number-nine by the IBF.”