NEW YORK – July 2, 2021 – ShoBox: The New Generation celebrates its 20-year anniversary with a three-fight card headlined by two exciting undefeated super middleweight prospects as Kalvin Henderson takes on Isaiah Steen in a 10-round main event clash Friday, July 23 live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT) from the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Neb.

The popular series ShoBox debuted in Atlantic City on July 21, 2001 and has produced 84 fighters who later went on to win a world title. Just like it has for the past 20 years, the upcoming tripleheader will feature prospects matched tough with a combined record of 81-1-5, including five boxers who have yet to taste defeat at the professional level.

Henderson (14-0-1,10 KOs) matches up against knockout artist Steen (15-0, 12 KOs) in the first 10-rounder for both fighters. The co-feature pits ShoBox veteran Janelson Bocachica (17-0, 11 KOs) of Detroit against 21-year-old Shinard Bunch (15-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. In a battle of unbeatens, Martino Jules (10-0-2, 2 KOs) faces Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight affair.

“This is a milestone ShoBox event and we could not be more excited,” said Gordon Hall, who has served as the executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation since its inception. “As we celebrate two decades of ShoBox on July 23, we will stay true to our ethos to match undefeated, developing prospects tough. In the main event, undefeated 168-pound prospects with decorated amateur pedigrees will seek a career-best win. The co-feature has the return of fast-rising Janelson Bocachica in a difficult style matchup against the power-punching Bunch, while the opener features a battle of unbeatens that could steal the show. ShoBox remains the sport’s ultimate proving ground for prospects and this event on July 23 is the perfect way to kick off our next decade.”

The event, which is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions in association with Holden Productions, Salita Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, brings together fighters from seven different boxing promotional and management teams.

Kalvin Henderson vs. Isaiah Steen – 10-round Super Middleweight Main Event

Henderson vs. Steen is a matchup that was originally scheduled for ShoBox in October, before Henderson withdrew during fight week with an illness.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Henderson currently resides and trains out of Fayetteville, Ark., where he was a six-time Arkansas state champion in the amateurs competing in 70 fights. He turned pro in 2016, winning his first 12 fights before fighting Genc Pllana to a draw in 2019. Henderson has prior experience at the Heartland Events Center, knocking out Justin Baesman at the venue in March.

Following high school, Henderson received a music scholarship from the University of Arkansas as a percussionist and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2012. The 30-year-old Henderson is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“Two undefeated guys coming in on the main event,” said Henderson, who is married with five children. “I know he has a good amateur pedigree and he throws good combinations. He is bringing it and I am bringing it. The third time’s a charm to finally make this fight happen. This is the next step in my career. A lot of fighters have been on ShoBox and have gone on to amazing careers, and now it’s my turn to do the same.”

Like his half-brother, U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, the 24-year-old Steen of Cleveland also had a successful amateur career with a record of 85-15. In his last fight in November, Steen stopped Colombia’s Juan De Angel with a fifth-round TKO. In February of 2020, Steen needed less than a round to stop Kenneth Council in Hammond, Ind. Steen is co-promoted by Holden and Lou DiBella and managed by David McWater of Split-T Management.

“I have been going from training camp to training camp,” Steen said. “I am going to mix it up, and out box him with a lot of jabs. Then when I see his weakness, I am going to get him out. Kalvin is a come-straight-forward fighter and he punches hard. I was supposed to fight him before, so this fight has been brewing for a while.”

Janelson Bocachica vs. Shinard Bunch – 10-round Welterweight Bout

A native of Puerto Rico and fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Bocachica is just 22 years old and already has five years of pro experience, including two appearances on ShoBox. This will be his third appearance on the series in nine months. He is coming off his best win to date, a majority decision win over previously unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr. An aggressive, come-forward fighter, Bocachica began boxing at age eight, won four consecutive Ringside Championships (2011-14), the National PAL Championships and the 2015 Detroit Golden Gloves. He boasts an amateur record of 60-5 and beat Brandun Lee in the finals to win the 2014 U.S. Junior National Olympics. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa. Bocachica is managed by McWater and co-promoted by King’s Promotions and Salita Promotions.

“This is what ShoBox is known for: matching up fighters for great fights,” Bocachica said. “Shinard Bunch is a step up in competition. He is from the same gym as Mark Reyes, and you saw what I did to him, On July 23, it will be much of the same. Fighting on SHOWTIME has helped with my profile. When I went to Puerto Rico, people knew who I was because of my previous experience on ShoBox. Being on the platform has brought me many new fans.”

Bunch is a Queens, N.Y.-native living and training in Trenton, N.J. Just 21-years-old, Bunch has been active with five fights in 2020 and five fights thus far in 2021. Bunch has more than 400 amateur fights and started boxing at age 7. He was rated as high as No. 3 in the nation at the 2016 Nationals. Currently riding a 13-fight winning streak, Bunch’s only pro loss came in 2019 in just his third fight, a unanimous loss to Paul Kroll. Bunch is managed by Russell Peltz.

“We are coming to work and make a statement,” Bunch said. “I really do not know too much about my opponent. I know he is a pressure fighter. I am not taking this fight lightly. This is a big fight, and we are going to box smart. This is a blessing to have an opportunity like this. Fighting on ShoBox is something that I have always dreamed of.”

Martino Jules vs. Aram Avagyan – 8-round Featherweight Bout

The 23-year-old southpaw Jules from Allentown, Pa., is coming off his best victory to date in an ESPN bubble fight last July, earning a majority-decision win over Aleem Jumakhonov. Jules is a 2015 Olympic Trials qualifier and had a 60-15 amateur record since turning pro in 2016 and slowly climbing up the featherweight rankings. Jules was scheduled to make his ShoBox debut in January, but his opponent fell ill the morning of his fight and the fight was called off.

“I am grateful for getting this fight,” said Jules, who is promoted by Kings Promotions and managed by Trifon Petrov. “This is something I have been waiting for a year now. I was supposed to fight on ShoBox before, but the fight fell out. I have been staying ready. My opponent is tough, and he comes ready to fight. He has a lot of merit to him, and that is pushing me to be better and I am excited to fight someone that will make me perform at my best.”

Fighting under the Salita Promotions banner, the 30-year-old Avagyan returns to ShoBox for the third time facing his fourth consecutive unbeaten fighter. In January, Avagyan and Panama’s Jose Nunez fought to a majority draw. Avagyan survived two early knockdowns in his debut against then-unbeaten Dagoberto Aguero to earn a majority decision in the last ShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March 2020.

Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, and now residing in California, Avagyan is a decorated amateur with more than 300 fights. He captured two Bronze Medals at the European Championships and represented Armenia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’m always hungry and want to fight and the fact that it will be on the 20-year anniversary of ShoBox is doubly motivating to put on a great show,” said Avagyan. “I’m gradually gaining shape and I have another month to show my best side to all boxing fans. I promise that I’m going to war on July 23. Don’t miss this event and the war of the warrior!”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood, former world champion Raul Marquez and special guest Al Bernstein. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
This year, the critically acclaimed prospect developmental series, ShoBox: The New Generation, celebrates its 20th anniversary on the air as it continues to match top young talent tough. Since its inception in July 2001, 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 84 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, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

NEW YORK (June 28, 2021)–Four fighters under the Split-T Management banner kept their undefeated records in-tact with big wins throughout North America.

In Las Vegas, Welterweight contender Giovani Santillan took an eight-round unanimous decision from veteran Cecil McCalla at the Virgin Hotel.

Santillan of San Diego, boxed very well and dictated the pace throughout the contest.

McCalla proved to be a tough opponent, but Santillan was more effective but outlanding McCalla 146 to 102, and came home with the near-shutout victory by score of 80-72 twice and 79-73 to raise his mark to 27-0.

The fight was streamed on ESPN+.

Santillan is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, good looking prospect Diego Pacheco stopped Jesus Palomares in round six of a scheduled eight-round battle of undefeated super middleweights.

Pacheco dominated the fight with his boxing ability, and in round six he started to dominate and the fight was stopped after a hard uppercut at 2:17.

Pacheco, 167 lbs of Los Angeles is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Palomares, 167 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 7-1-1.

The fight was streamed on DAZN.

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked junior middleweight Charles Conwell continued his winning ways, by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Silverio Ortiz.

Conwell, who is ranked number-seven by the IBF, dropped Ortiz once in round five, and twice in round seven. Conwell of Cleveland, won by scores of 80-69 on all cards to raise his perfect mark to 15-0.

Conwell is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

On the same card, featherweight, Haven Brady Jr. stopped Nathan Benichou inside of a round.

Brady registered two knockdowns, and the fight was halted 93 seconds into the contest.

The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is now 3-0 with three knockouts.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2021)–On Saturday, boxing’s top management company, Split-T Management will have four of it’s top fighters featured in bouts throughout North America.

At the Virgin Hotel In Las Vegas, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan battles Cecil McCalla in a 10-round bout.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, rising undefeated prospect Diego Pacheco takes on undefeated Jesus Palomares in an eight-round super middleweight fight.

In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked super welterweight Charles Cinwell takes on Silverio Ortiz, while Haven Brady Jr. takes on Nathan Benichou in a four-round featherweight bout.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Santillan, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank, has a record 26-0 with 15 knockouts. Santillan of San Diego, has wins over Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and his last bout when defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco on June 16, 2020 in Las Vegas.

McCalla of Randallstown, Maryland, has a record of 23-4 with 10 knockouts.

McCalla has defeated the likes of Ivan Zigar (1-0-1), Antonio Walls (2-0), John Mackey (11-2-1), Gary Lynch (4-0) and Oscar Godoy (13-2). McCalla has won two in a row, and is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on October 16th in Plant City, Florida.

Santillan weighed 147.6 lbs and McCalla was 147 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

The bout can be seen on ESPN+ at 7:15 PM.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Pacheco of Los Angeles is 11-0 with eight knockouts.

The 20 year-old Pacheco will be facing his 5th undefeated foe of his three-year career. He already has wins over Felix Aguilar, Guillermo Maldonado, Jose Esparza and Terry Ferandez. Pacheco also has a 2nd round stoppage over Juan Antonio Mendez (12-2). Pacheco is coming off a unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. on February 21st in Miami.

Palomares of Sonora, Mexico is 7-0-1 with four knockouts, and has defeated two undefeated opponents in his last two bouts. He has a 2nd round stoppage over Christian Hermosillo (3-0) and in his last bout Palomares won a unanimous decision over Jaime Portillo on November 19th in Sonora, Mexico.

Both Pacheco and Palomares were 167 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in

In Ashland, Kentucky Conwell and Brady were able to book fights following bouts being postponed in Miami.

Conwell of Cleveland is ranked number-seven by the IBF, has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts,

The 2016 United States Olympian is the USBA champion, who has made three defenses has wins over Roque Zeoeda (4-1-3), Travis Scott (19-3), His USBA title winning effort over Courtney Pennington (12-3-3) and defenses over undefeated Webdy Toussaint (12-0) and Madiyar Ashkeyev (14-0).

Conwell, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions checked in at 158 lbs.

Ortiz of Yucitan, Mexico has a record of 37-26 with 18 knockouts, and is a 21 year veteran,

He has fought many world champions and title challengers and has sprung upsets over Daniel Seda, Miguel Angel Huerta, Mian Hussein and Ramzan Baysarov

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout. He weighed 128 lbs.

The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Michael Land on December 12th in Las Vegas.

Benichou of Puebla, Mexico has a record of 2-4 with two knockouts.

NEW YORK (June 20, 2021)-Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of amateur standout Dante Benjamin Jr. to a managerial contract.

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

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

As an amateur, Benjamin competed in the 176-pound division, but he will begin his professional career fighting the super middleweight division.

“Dante has great potential and we see big things from him,” said David McWater of Split-T Management. We see him as a future champion and look forward to getting him started towards all of his goals.”

“I signed with Split-T Management as I feel they can do the most for me and my career goals, which includes winning world titles,” said Benjamin.

I wanted to make this announcement specifically on Father’s Day as my father passed away a couple of months ago, and I feel this is a gift to him to announce that I am going pro on this day.”

In 2010, at the age of eight, Benjamin’s father steered him towards boxing as he used to fight a lot in the playground.

Benjamin describes his style as being a boxer-puncher, who can do everything in the ring.

“I can’t wait to get started. I am looking to get my first fight sometime in August or September.

Benjamin is trained by famed trainer Renard Safo.

“Dante has all of the skills to become a world champion. I am happy to have Dante signed with Split-T Management. I have known David McWater a long time, and I know he will have Dante’s best interest,” said Safo.

NEW YORK (June 20 2021)-Lightweight Eric Puente and junior welterweight Omar Rosario remained perfect by scoring big wins at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The duo are managed by Split-T Management.

Puente had to shake off an opening round knockdown to win a unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Puente was sent to the canvas from a left hook. Puente showed a tremendous heart and determination as he fought himself back into the contest. By round three, Puente seized control of the bout, and won by scores of 58-55 twice to raise his perfect mark to 6-0. Meza falls to 7-6.

Rosario was very impressive by stopping previously undefeated JJ Mariano in the fourth and final round.

In the opening round, Rosario buckled Mariano. In round two, Rosario registered a knockdown, and later in the round he landed a hard hook that had Mariano staggering back yo his corner.

Rosario hurt Mariano several times in round three, and finished off Mariano with a left that sent Mariano down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:13.

Rosario of Caguas, PR is now 4-0 with two knockouts. Mariano is now 3-1.

Rosario said, “We took full advantage of the opportunity and put on a good performance on a great card. We got the job done against an opponent who was undefeated and who came to put up a great fight.”

Puente and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

NEW YORK (June 18, 2021)-Two undefeated fighters from the Split-T Management stable will be in action tomorrow night at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Puente will take on Jose Antonio Meza in a six-round lightweight fight, while Rosario squares off with JJ Mariano in a four-round battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Puente, 21 years-old of Vista, California is 5-0 and is coming off a unanimous decision over undefeated Sergio Vega on February 13th in Las Vegas.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team

Meza of Durango, Mexico, will be the most experienced foe of Puente’s young career as he has record of 7-5 with two knockouts. The 24 year-old Meza has wins over Arturo Montes (1-0-2) and Juan Funez (11-0-1). Meza is coming off a distance defeat to hotshot prospect Keyshawn Davis on May 8th in Arlington, Texas.

Puente was 136 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in; Meza was 136.6

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 3-0 with one knockout. The 23 year-old is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Uriel Villanueva on February 20th in Las Vegas,

Rosario, 23 years-old, was the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Mariano of Reno, Nevada is 3-0 with two knockouts. The 27 year-old is coming off an opening round stoppage over Matthew Reed October 3rd in Las Vegas,

Rosario was 140.5 lbs; Mariano was 140 lbs.

The bouts will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 8 PM ET

Puente and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

NEW YORK (June 14, 2021)- Split-T Management’s John Bauza remained undefeated with a 2nd round destruction of Christon Edwards in round two of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Bauza set a ferocious pace early and dropped Edwards at the end of the opening frame. Bauza, of North Bergan, New Jersey via Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico did not rest of his early success, as he wasted no-time in ending the night early by dropping Edwards two more times in the opening 40 seconds of the second frame, and the bout was stopped.

With the win, the 23 year-old Bauza raises his perfect mark to 15-0 with six knockouts.

Edwards of Houston falls to 12-3.

The bout was part of the ESPN+ streamed undercard.

Bauza is promoted by Top Rank.

NEW YORK (June 11, 2021)- Undefeated junior welterweight John Bauza will be in action on Saturday night when he takes on Christon Edwards in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

The fight can be seen live on ESPN+ at 6:30 PM ET

Bauza is managed by Split-T Management

Bauza of North Bergen, New Jersey has a record of 14-0 with five knockouts.

The 23 year-old began boxing at the age of nine when he walked into a gym and loved the sport immediately.

That started a heralded amateur career that saw Bauza rack up an impressive record of 178-8. Bauza captured many tournament victories which included the USA Junior Olympic Qualifier, Diamond Gloves, Regional Golden Gloves and Ringside World Championships.

Bauza turned professional on April 23, 2016 with a 1st round stoppage over LeRoy Padilla in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

He is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Larry Fryers (11-2) on June 30th in Las Vegas.

Edwards of Houston is a very respectable 12-2 with six knockouts.

The 28 year-old Edwards has wins over Omar Reyes (1-0), Julius Dyis (9-2), and his latest outing when he won a unanimous decision over Jonathan Steele on March 4th in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Bauza weighed 140 llbs at Friday’s weigh-in; Edwards was 140.4 lbs.

Bauza is promoted by Top Rank.

NEW YORK (May 29, 2021)- Khalil Coe looked like seasoned pro as he won his pro debut with an emphatic 2nd round stoppage over Nathaniel Tadd in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The bout kicked off the DAZN Stream

In round one, Coe dropped Tadd twice. The first knockdown came as he hurt Tadd with a body shot. Coe followed up with a flurry of body shots that sent Tadd down to the canvas. Coe went right back to that body, and landed a big uppercut and down went Tadd for a second time. In round two, It was another left to the body that sent Tadd down for a third time, and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Coe, 176.2 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Tadd, 179 lbs of Houston is 2-5.

“I think I did well. I listened to my corner, and executed the game plan. I had everyone watching and I appreciate everybody. We worked on a lot of body shots. “Big Steppa” is here,” said Coe

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management’s David McWater and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

NEW YORK (May 28, 2021)- Heralded Light Heavyweight prospect Khalil Coe will make his pro debut tomorrow night at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Coe of Jersey City, New Jersey will take on Nathaniel Todd in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

The fight will kick off the DAZN stream at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

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

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

Coe weighed 176.2 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Todd of Houston, Texas weighed 179 lbs.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Coe’s Press Conference Quotes

“I’m looking forward to the journey with Matchroom, I already put on a show and I’m grateful to be on this card for my pro debut. The talent that’s going behind me, I want to stand out just as well as they do.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on my whole career, I never thought I would be signed with Matchroom so that’s a big plus. I’m going take advantage and do what I’ve got to do and put it on for the fans.

“There’s going to be a big difference. Some people just think I only have a right hand, I’m only a puncher, but I have footwork, elusiveness, and power. You never know what I’m going to bring to the fight.”