AUDIO: Interview with Pro Debuting Featherweight Haven Brady Jr.






SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION RETURNS WITH EXCITING 154-POUND PROSPECT CHARLES CONWELL FACING FELLOW UNBEATEN WENDY TOUSSAINT ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

NEW YORK – September 18, 2020 – ShoBox: The New Generation returns for the first time since March with a four-fight card headlined by exciting, undefeated super welterweight prospects Charles Conwell and Wendy Toussaint in a 10-round main-event bout on Wednesday, October 7 live on SHOWTIME ® (9 p.m. ET/PT) from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

The four-fight telecast will feature eight prospects who boast a combined record of 109-4-3, including six boxers who have yet to taste defeat at the professional level. The last ShoBox event was held March 13 in Hinckley, Minn., and was one of the final live sporting events to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months.

A decorated amateur and U.S. representative at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the 22-year-old Conwell (12-0, 9 KOs) hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and will make his second ShoBox appearance – and first in nearly three years – when he takes on up-and-coming Toussaint (12-0, 5 KOs) at 154 pounds.

The co-feature is another bout of unbeatens as Conwell’s half-brother Isaiah Steen (14-0, 11 KOs) matches up against Kalvin Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout. The ShoBox event will open with two eight-round welterweight showdowns as Detroit’s Janelson Bocachica (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on fellow Puerto Rico native Nicklaus Flaz (9-1, 7 KOs) and hard-hitting Brandun Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) returns to ShoBox in the telecast opener against Jimmy Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs).

“Charles Conwell is the quintessential ShoBox fighter,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation since its inception in 2001. “He had a successful amateur career and he has shown real promise in his pro campaign. Now, he’ll face his first undefeated opponent in Haitian-born Wendy Toussaint who should be a tough test. In the co-feature another battle of unbeatens in Steen vs. Henderson and rounded out by promising prospect Janelson Bocachica and rising star Brandun Lee. These are the type of fight cards that make this series unique and important for the development of young fighters on both sides of the bout sheet.”

The event is promoted by Tony Holden Productions.

Charles Conwell vs. Wendy Toussaint – 10-round Super Welterweight Main Event

Known for his lightning quick fast hands and power, the rising prospect Conwell is currently ranked No. 9 by the IBF in one of boxing’s deepest divisions at 154 pounds led by Jermell Charlo, Jeison Rosario, Tony Harrison, Erickson Lubin, Julian Williams, Terrell Gausha and Jarrett Hurd.

Conwell was 116-14 as an amateur and was the National Golden Gloves Champion in 2015. In his last fight in February, Conwell scored a fifth-round stoppage over Ramses Agaton. He is co-promoted by Tony Holden of Holden Productions and Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment. He is managed by Dave McWater at Split-T Management.

Fighting in front of his hometown fans in Cleveland in his ShoBox debut in 2017, Conwell went the six-round distance for the first time in his young career beating a game Roque “Rocky” Zapata with an impressive unanimous decision.

“I am happy to be back on ShoBox, and I am going to put in a good performance and do what I do best,” said Conwell. “My opponent is undefeated, and he will come to win, but I think that I am just better overall and all around. I am a very smart boxer with fast hands and power. When people see me, they will see Aaron Pryor, Mike Tyson and Andre Ward rolled up into one! I am happy to be headlining ShoBox and being able to show my talent to the whole world.”

Nicknamed “Haitian Fire”, Toussaint, 28, was born in Haiti and currently trains in Huntington, New York where eight of his 12 pro fights have taken place. He is promoted by Hall of Fame New York promoter Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Toussaint fled Haiti for France in 2010 following the devastating earthquake and currently works as a firefighter on Long Island. He is the main sparring partner of No. 1-ranked (WBO) light heavyweight world title contender Joe Smith Jr. Toussaint has won his last five of seven fights by knockout. Fighting on the undercard of the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith card August 22 in Las Vegas, Toussaint won an eight-round decision over Isiah Jones.

“I would like to thank my trainer Frankie Globuschutz, my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for this great opportunity to shine in a ShoBox main event,” Toussaint said. “I am ready to fight. I have always been ready to fight. Nothing changes for me, and I am bringing the Haitian Fire.”

Isaiah Steen vs. Kalvin Henderson – 8-round Super Middleweight Co-Feature

Like his half-brother Conwell, the 24-year-old Steen of Cleveland also had a successful amateur career with a record of 85-15. Fighting on the same card as Conwell back in February, Steen needed less than a round to stop Kenneth Council in Hammond, Ind., in his last fight. Steen is co-promoted by Holden and DiBella and managed by McWater.

“This is my first fight on TV so it’s going to be a big one,” said Steen. “This is a big stage to show everybody what I am coming for and I am very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME. This is a major step-up fight. I am just going to keep to my game plan and keep my distance. It’s amazing to be able to be on a television card with my brother.”

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. Following high school, Henderson got a full-ride music scholarship to the University of Arkansas as a percussionist graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2012. The 30-year-old Henderson is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“I am ready to get back to what I do great,” said Henderson, who is married with four children and a fifth on the way. “My opponent is undefeated, but on October 7th, he will have his hands full. I am excited to finally showcase by skill-set on a national level as the co-main event.”

Janelson Bocachica vs. Nicklaus Flaz – 8-round Welterweight Bout

A native of Puerto Rico and fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Bocachica is just 21 years old and already has four years of pro experience. He 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 55-5. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa. Bocachica is managed by McWater of Split T-Management and promoted by King’s Promotions.

“I am fighting another Puerto Rican fighter which will surely produce fireworks and an exciting, all-action fight,” Bocachica said. “He is a power puncher and a brawler. He seems to be very confident, and I like fighting guys like that. If he wants a brawl, he will get a brawl, but if he wants to box, I will outbox him. I am versatile like that.”

Puerto Rico’s Flaz is part of current WBA and IBF 154-pound World Champion Jesion Rosario’s camp under the guidance of Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. Flaz has knocked out his last two opponents and competed in two 10-round bouts during his pro career, which has included six wins against fighters who had winning records.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills,” Flaz said. “I know he’s an undefeated guy and a good opponent but I’m going to put some punching power on him. You can expect me to come in and be explosive. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Brandun Lee vs. Jimmy Williams – 8-round Welterweight Bout

Just 21 years old, the knockout artist Lee from La Quinta, Calif., has KO’d all but two of his opponents (89.5 percent), including 11 in the first round, four in the second and two in the third. The third-year pro is making his third ShoBox appearance. In March, Lee scored an impressive third-round TKO over 33-year-old challenger Camilo Prieto. This is Lee’s third fight of 2020 as he knocked out Miguel Zamudio in a non-televised January 17 bout in Sloan, Iowa.

Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. He was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds. With lightning quick hands that pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., Thomas Dulorme, to name a few.

“I am ready to go,” said Lee, a full-time college student who is trained by his father Bobby Lee and managed by Cameron Dunkin of D&D Boxing. “I was supposed to fight on September 19th, and now I have an extra three weeks of training, so that will be great for me. My opponent is bigger and has fought at higher weights, and he was ranked in the top-15. This is a step up and it is exactly what I need for my career. I am looking forward to being back on ShoBox and I will come to perform. The audience wants knockouts, and that is what I am here for.”

A pro since 2013, Williams is a former college football standout who has yet to fight in 2020. Williams grew up in Plainfield, N.J., before moving to New Haven, Conn., and played wide receiver at Southern Connecticut State University.

Promoted by Jimmy Burchfield of CES Boxing, the 34-year-old Williams has battled adversity as his father passed away from cancer, and his mother was murdered in what is still an unsolved case.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. 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
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 83 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.




Eric Puente Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision over Luis Norambuena in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (Sept 14, 2020) – Split-T Management lightweight Eric Puente remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over tough veteran Luis Norambuena on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Puente boxed well and used his jab to set up good shots, which included several hard uppercuts and lefts to the body on the hard charging Norambuena. Puente kept Norambuena at bay, and came home with the victory.

Puente, 137.7 lbs of San Diego, California won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 4-0. Norambuena, 135.6 lbs of Talca, Chile is 4-6-1. Puente was the 9th undefeated foe for Norambuena in his 11 bout career.

“I am so happy that I was able to go out there, and get the chance to show the world what I can do,” said the 21 year-old Puente. “I put a lot of work in. I want to give a big thanks to ESPN, Top Rank and Split-T Management for the opportunity. I can’t wait to come back again soon.”

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank




Split-T Management’s Undefeated Lightweight Eric Puente in action against Luis Norambuena on Saturday Night in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (Sept 11, 2020) – Tomorrow night at the MGM Conference Center in Las Vegas, Split-T Management’s undefeated lightweight Eric Puente will take on his most experienced foe to date when takes on Luis Norambuena in a four-round bout.

Puente (3-0) will be making his 2nd start of 2020, as he is coming off a decision win over Diego Elizondo on July 7th at the MGM Grand.

Puente, 21, of Vista, California 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.

Despite having a record that reads 4-5-1, Norambuena of Chile has wins over three undefeated fighters, and Puente will be 9th undefeated foe in the 11 fight career for the 28 year-old.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Puente was 137.7 lbs. Norambuena was 135.6

The bout can be seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 P.M ET / 4:30 P.M. PT.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank




Split-T Management’s Marques Valle Needs just 93 Seconds to win Pro Debut on Friday Night In Kissimmee, Florida

NEW YORK (Sept 7, 2020) – Marques Valle made a splash in his pro debut, as the 21 year-old Welterweight needed just 93 seconds to take out Jernato Harris this past Friday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

The former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

Valle dropped Harris with a hard body shot in the opening minute of the contest. Valle ended things by landing a barrage of punches that was punctuated by a vicious left to the body that had Harris riding in pain under the bottom rope, and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

WATCH KNOCKOUT

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida is 1-0 with one knockout.

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / All-Star Boxing




All in a Days Work: DeAndre Ware Weighs-in & Saves a Life

NEW YORK (September 4, 2020)–It wasn’t a typical weigh-in day for super middleweight DeAndre Ware. But it wasn’t a a day that out of the ordinary either,

Super Middleweight contender, and Toledo Firefighter DeAndre Ware not only brought his fighting skills to Las Vegas, where he will meet Steven Nelson for Nelson’s NABO Super Middleweight title on Saturday night,at the MGM Grand Conference Center, but he displayed his firefighter and first-aid talents by springing into action and saving the life of longtime Top Rank Event Coordinator Pete Susens.

Approximately 30 minutes before the weigh-in, Ware was meeting with Nevada Commission officials and filling out the customary pre-fight paperwork, when Susens suddenly collapsed. Eyewitnesses painted a bleak picture as to Susens’ condition. That’s when Ware jumped into action by performing chest compression’s and revived Susens.

“I’m here for my fight, but I had to put EMS skills to work and do some CPR. Happy to say the guy was talking a bit, and was alert headed to the hospital. I’m thankful! I feel I saved a life'” Ware posted immediately after on his Twitter account.

Susens was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is responsive and expected to make a full recovery.

Moments later, Ware jumped on the scale and weighed in at the 168 pound limit for Saturday’s showdown. Nelson checked in at 167.6 lbs.

The bout can be seen live at 10 PM ET on ESPN +. The undercard begins at 7:30 PM ET.

Ware is managed by Split-T Management.




Split-T Management’s Marques Valle Weighs-In for Pro Debut Tomorrow Night in Kissimmee, Florida

NEW YORK (Sept 3, 2020) – Split-T Management’s latest signee, welterweight Marques Valle weighed in for his professional debut that will take place tomorrow evening at The Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Valle, 21 years-old of Wesley Chapel Florida checked in at 147.8 lbs. His opponent, Jernato Harris checked in at 148.9 lbs.

Valle was a former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

The show is promoted by All-Star Boxing and can be seen on Telemundo at 12 AM ET.

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Split-T Management’s Marques Valle Makes Pro Debut This Friday Night In Kissimmee, Florida

NEW YORK (Sept 1, 2020) – Amateur standout Marques Valle makes his highly anticipated professional debut this Friday, September 4th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. He will face Jernato Harris (0-1) in a four round welterweight bout on a stacked undercard for All-Star Boxing’s Telemundo Summer Boxing Series.

The former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

VanNewhouse stated that, “Marques has all the right tools to make a strong transition into the pros. His length, strength, and work ethic set him apart from many of the amateurs in the 2020 class. Pairing him with the astute Robert Garcia gives me all the confidence that we need to begin his professional career.”

In preparation for his debut, the 21-year old native of Wesley Chapel, Florida recently rounded out a 4-week training camp at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, California alongside WBC and WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion Jose Ramirez. Garcia sees a lot of potential in the young athlete.

“Marques is a wonderful kid. He is a very dedicated and talented fighter. Sparring Jose and some of the other top guys here in my gym helped him prepare for this debut. I know he will perform very well and has the tools to become a World Champion,” said Garcia.

Valle has been itching to begin his pro career, but due to the many complications around COVID-19, his plans had been delayed for several months. Despite this, Valle has stayed ready.

“I’ve been training really hard and staying focused. I couldn’t be anymore ready to get my pro career started,” said Valle.

Valle grew up in a Puerto Rican family and initially began boxing at the age of 9 after being inspired by Miguel Cotto. After just one bout, Marques hung up the gloves. He returned to the sport when he was 16 and hasn’t stopped since, progressing to become one of the top amateurs in the nation. Marques enjoys a strong family support system and his younger brother, Dominic, is an aspiring pro in the amateur ranks.

Outside of boxing, Marques’ good looks and physique helped have allowed him to become a fashion model, where he is represented by one of the world’s biggest and most successful agencies, Next Management. His modelling work should strengthen his ability to market himself to the Latino market – both in-and-out of the ring.


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AUDIO: The Weekend Boxing Results Plus an Interview with Super Middleweight DeAndre Ware






Split-T Management’s Javier Martinez Posts 2nd Consecutive Shutout Victory

NEW YORK (August 31, 2020)–Touted middleweight prospect Javier Martinez made it two wins in a row to begin his career, as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Rance Ward at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Martinez, 25 years-old of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is managed by Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management, and is promoted by Top Rank.

Martinez boxed very well as he worked behind a nice southpaw jab, and focused on some solid body shots.

Martinez won by 60-54 scores on all three judges scorecards.

“I feel like I dictated the whole fight,” Said Martinez. “At the last minute they moved it to a six-round fight. I feel that I made better adjustments from my 1st fight. I learned from my pro debut, and I made the adjustments that I needed to. I was more relaxed for this fight, and I feel that I did well for my 1st six-round fight, but I am not satisfied, and I am only going to get better with every fight. Hopefully, I can get back in there in October.”

“I went in there to box. I am good at what I do, and that is boxing.”

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Martinez is trained by Robert Garcia

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank