SHREVEPORT – January 10, 2019 – Unbeaten lightweight and rising star Devin Haney and fellow undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni both made weight just a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event headlines a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The precocious Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion who turned pro at age 17, headlines on ShoBox for the third time when he takes on South Africa’s 28-year-old Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), who like Haney is unbeaten and spent four months training at the Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas in 2017.

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com.

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) of Colombia in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Cuba and former college football player Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) of Indianapolis, Ind., squaring off in another eight-round bout.

All the fighters weighed at Paradise Theatre located inside Margaritaville Resort Casino.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Lightweight 10-Round Bout
Devin Haney – 134 ½ lbs.
Xolisani Ndongeni – 134 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.); Judges: Laurence Cole (Dallas), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

Featherweight 8-Round Bout
Ruben Villa – 126 ¾ lbs.
Ruben Cervera – 126 ½ lbs.
(Contracted weight is 128 pounds)
Referee: Laurence Cole (Dallas); Judges: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

Heavyweight 8-Round Bout
Frank Sanchez – 216 ¼ lbs.
Willie Jake Jr. – 239 ½ lbs.
Referee: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.); Judges: Laurence Cole (Dallas), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

FINAL QUOTES:

DEVIN HANEY:
“This is a 10-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International belts, so it’s a big deal. This is a true step up for me.

“It’s important for me build a name in different areas of the country. I’ve fought in Southern California and Philadelphia, and now I’m fighting in Louisiana. This fight I will show who Devin Haney is. In this fight I’ll showcase my skills and I’ll show my full arsenal.

“My style is not a style that people want to fight. I will fight whoever is out there. We haven’t been getting a lot call backs. I’ve had other offers from all the top promotion companies, but I want to remain independent and make my own decisions.

“My opponent has an awkward style. I know he has a lot of confidence and he thinks he can beat me. That’s great for him, but he hasn’t faced anyone with my combination of speed and power.

“At the end of my career I think it would be great if the world continued to say, ‘I don’t know if he can take a punch.’ That would be the goal.”

XOLISANI NDONGENI:
“I’ve trained and sparred with guys at Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas for four months in 2017. I learned a lot got some great experience.

“I see a young, good prospect in Devin Haney. I just have to keep to my game plan. He doesn’t realize how fast I am. I’ll show some different looks, and know what he’s planning to do. Whatever Haney brings, I’ll adjust.

“I’ve been in some deep waters and I have more rounds than Haney. That experience will pay off for me.

“I’ve been knocked down once in my career. It was early and I came back to knock him down five times and won the fight.

“Haney wants to be called a contender. I’ve been a contender and I know what it takes to be at the top level of the sport. I’ve never taken a fight I wasn’t prepared for or thought that I couldn’t win.”

RUBEN VILLA
“This is exciting and what we’ve been working toward. The contracted weight is 128 for this fight, but I’m a natural featherweight at 126. I’m a southpaw but a natural righty. I throw a lot of jabs, that’s my style.

“I’m representing Salinas and want to be a world champion someday. I’m only 21 years old, and to already be fighting on ShoBox is a dream come true.

“People say I don’t have the knockouts, but it’s in my mind and they will come. The power and knockouts will come.

“I once beat Devin [Haney] by unanimous decision in the amateurs. I was 15, and it was in the finals of the Junior Olympics. Devin’s real slick and aggressive and he moves well. That’s how you beat him.

RUBEN CERVERA
“I’ve never been to the U.S., and I love it here. The press conference and the amount of attention this fight is getting is amazing. I’m used to watching this kind of stuff on T.V. But my mind is totally focused on this fight.

“I have power in all my punches. I’m a strong fighter who has to take a step up in my career. I’m young, only 20 years old, so I’m anxious to get my career going.

“I know Villa is a southpaw. I’ve fought lefties several times in my career and have had no problem with it.

“There is a lot of talent in Colombia, but there aren’t the resources there to have a good career. You have to sacrifice a lot and that’s what I’ve done.”

FRANK SANCHEZ
“I’m 6-foot-4 and use my height to my advantage. I defected from Cuba in 2016 and my family is still in Cuba. My brother is the only one here in the States with me.

“I’m living in Miami now and training there. That will be my home base now.
“I’d love to fight [Deontay] Wilder. I want to be world champion so maybe someday I will. His technique is a little bit wild.

“I had great amateur experience and am a former member of the Cuban national amateur team. I know that will help me. I know there’s never been a heavyweight champion from Cuba, and I plan to be the first one.”

WILLIE JAKE JR.
“Indianapolis is a tough town to be a boxer because there’s not a lot going on there.

“I played college football [for Pasadena City College] but I hurt my wrist and decided to go into the military.

“[Frank] is a little fellow. He needs some maturing. I know they do things differently there in Cuba, but we both are fighting for our families. I’m going to let him know he needs to be a cruiserweight.”

SHREVEPORT, La. (January 9, 2019) – One of boxing’s most promising rising stars, unbeaten lightweight Devin Haney, and fellow undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni, kicked off fight week with a final press conference Wednesday at Paradise Theatre in Margaritaville Resort Casino ahead of their ShoBox: The New Generation main event bout this Friday, January 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, headlines the popular prospect-oriented series for the third time when he takes on South Africa’s Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), an unbeaten 28-year-old who once held the IBO’s belt at 135 pounds.

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com.

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

DEVIN HANEY
“After this fight I want the whole world to know I’m no longer a prospect. I’m a contender.

“I feel I have something to prove. I’m not just going for the win on Friday night, I want to make a statement. I want to look good. I want to show the world what I’m capable of.

“I think that with a win against a fighter like Ndongeni, the sky is the limit. This fight is going to take me to the next level.”

Xolisani Ndongeni
“Come Friday night, it’s going to be show time. Because, with all due respect, I’m no pushover and I didn’t come here to lose.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time. I have fought many styles and I’ve seen it all. I’m not scared.

“We are not looking for anything less than a win. I’m not leaving here without one.”

RUBEN VILLA
“I know my opponent is a really good fighter but I don’t feel any additional pressure. This is what we trained for – a tough fight. I’m excited for Friday night. I’m eager to perform.

“Being able to fight on TV is going to finally put me on the map. After Friday night, people are going to be talking about me. They are going to see what I’m made of.”

RUBEN CERVERA
“I’m originally from Colombia and traveling all the way here has not been easy, but we came ready. We had a very successful camp. We did everything we wanted to do and more.

“I’m excited to fight on national television in the United States. I want to showcase what Colombian fighters are made off.

“I know my opponent is good, and undefeated, but only the best man will win, and that is going to be me.”

Willie Jake Jr.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity. This is an important fight for me. During training camp, I took one day at a time, step by step. I’m prepared for the challenge.

“I don’t underestimate my opponent, I will listen to my corner and I will put up a great fight.”

PHILADELPHIA – JANUARY 4, 2019 – Undefeated lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni arrived in the United States on Friday morning for his showdown with Devin Haney in the main event of the first ShoBox: The New Generation telecast of 2019 on Friday, January 11 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs) of South Africa traveled for nearly 24 hours, as he made the trek from his homeland to Louisiana, where he will finish up his training for the bout with the highly regarded Haney.

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com

NEW YORK – December 12, 2018 – Top lightweight prospect Devin Haney will face fellow-undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni in the first ShoBox: The New Generation telecast of 2019 on Friday, January 11 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 20-year-old Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) returns in a 10-round bout for his third consecutive test on the prospect developmental series having barely lost a round while his level of opposition has strengthened over the last two fights. The fast-rising prospect will face just his second undefeated opponent in South Africa’s Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), an unbeaten 28-year-old who once held the IBO’s belt at 135 pounds.

In the co-feature, two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted Californian prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on hard-hitting former Puerto Rican amateur champion Carlos Vidal (14-0, 13 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. The opening bout of the tripleheader will feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) against an opponent to be announced.

“We are excited to begin our 18th year of ShoBox with another card featuring today’s top prospects matched tough,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation. “Simply put, this series is boxing’s best proving ground for tomorrow’s champions. Devin is on the fast track to becoming a world champion while Ruben is facing his first legitimate test in his quest to turn from prospect to contender. A tripleheader featuring five undefeated fighters is the perfect start for what promises to be a banner 2019 for ShoBox: The New Generation.”

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com.

Haney has been considered one of boxing’s top prospects since turning professional at the age of 17 in Mexico in 2015. In his last fight on Sept. 28 on ShoBox, Haney won via near-shutdown decision of three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, handing the veteran his first loss since dropping a decision to Mikey Garcia in 2014.

Haney grew up in Oakland and fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter and Jessie Vargas. The flashy and outspoken 20-year-old is now ranked in the top 15 of three of the four major sanctioning bodies (No. 8 WBA, No. 10 IBF, No. 11 WBC) after just 20 professional fights.

“I’m looking to start off 2019 with another great performance on SHOWTIME,” said Haney, whose three scheduled ShoBox opponents have entered with an impressive 91-4-2 record. “I’ll be facing a very dangerous undefeated fighter in Xolisani Ndongeni, who has been ranked as high as No. 3 in WBA and has never experienced defeat. He’s not just coming to fight, Ndongeni thinks he can win. These are the fights I need. I’m going to show the world once again that I’m not a prospect, I’m an elite fighter, and I deserve a world title shot.”

Ndongeni has rallied off 25 straight victories since turning professional in 2010 while campaigning largely in South Africa. His lone start outside of his hometown came in 2016 in California, where he handed previously once-beaten Juan Garcia Mendez the second loss of his career.

Ndongeni, who has nine scheduled 12 round fights on his resume, has been ranked as high as No. 3 by the WBA and owns a victory over former 130-pound world champion Mzonke Fana. He has won a number of regional titles and claimed the IBO’s vacant 135-pound title via ninth round knockout in 2015.

“Devin Haney is a great young boxer and I think it will be a good test for the both of us,” Ndongeni said. “I have the edge in experience. I have been in 12-round title fights and I feel I am more than capable of handling anything he brings to the ring. A win against Haney will take me back to the top of the rankings and open doors for me to be able to fight many more times in the U.S.”

Ndongeni is promoted Banner Promotions and Golden Gloves.

The 21-year-old Villa started boxing when he was just 5 years old and 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 two wins over eventual Olympic Silver Medalist Shakur Stevenson as an amateur before losing to his rival twice in the 2016 Olympic Trials. Villa turned professional in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials and has registered 14 professional victories in just over 24 months. The southpaw will face his toughest test to date and just his second undefeated opponent in Vidal on January 11.

“My team and I are really grateful and excited to finally be able to showcase my talents on a national platform and we will not take this opportunity for granted,” Villa said. “I’ve been working overtime to look perfect for this event. I’m coming to put on a show and prove I’m ready for the bright lights.”

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Vidal was a two-time Puerto Rican National Champion with an amateur record of 104 wins against just 10 losses. The 29-year-old is a strong power-puncher with 13 KOs in 14 professional fights, with all 13 coming inside of three rounds. Villa, who lives and in trains in Las Vegas, will be making just his second start in the United States against his first undefeated opponent.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself against another undefeated fighter,” Vidal said. “I live in the gym and have dedicated my life to this dream of being a world champion. This is just the first step of that process and nothing is going stop me from achieving that goal.”

The 26-year-old Faure fought on the Cuban National Team and competed in more than 200 amateur fights. After defecting from Cuba, the heavyweight turned professional in September of 2017 and has won 10 fights in just over 14 months. Faure lives and trains in Las Vegas, where he is managed by International Boxing Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele.

“Growing up in Cuba, I’ve always dreamed of having this opportunity to fight on television in America, and now that dream is becoming a reality,” Faure said. “I’m going to punish my opponent and give the fans a reason to watch me every time I step in the ring. I’m the next Cuban sensation.”

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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.

About Devin Haney Promotions:
Based in California, Devin Haney Promotions (DHP) is a first-class promotional company headed by boxing phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney. The company was founded in September of 2018. Devin Haney at 19-yrs old became the youngest active fighter/promoter in boxing history. DHP has a commitment to bring fans the most exciting shows with some of the best fighters in the world. Globally, DHP is respected as a premier promoter in boxing.

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (February , 2017)–This past Friday night in Durban, South Africa, WBA number-3 ranked, WBC number-13 ranked, and WBO number-15 ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni (22-0, 11 Ko’s) was named South African Fighter of the Year.

The ceremony took place in front of former South African world champions, and dignitaries such as Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula.

The 26 year-old Ndongeni won two big fights in 2016. His year started out on April 22nd with a 1st round stoppage over Emilio Norfat. He followed that up with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Garcia Mendez on November 4th in Corona, California.

The bout was Ndongeni’s American debut.

“I’m very proud to have won,” said Ndongeni. “I have a lot of faith in my team of Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, Banner Promotions and [trainer] Colin Nathan. The sky is the limit. I’m looking forward to fighting in the US very soon and showing them all what I’m capable of.”

“I was delighted for ‘Nomeva’ [Ndongeni], who made his US debut last year and won in style against a difficult opponent,” said Golden Gloves CEO, Rodney Berman. “I have high hopes from him and this endorsement merely underlines his international potential. He’s highly rated and will surely get his big chance before long.”

Said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo, “I want to congratulate Xolisani for winning this great award. He is a terrific fighter, and was very impressive in his American debut. 2017 will be a big year for him and we look to get him in some big fights.”

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.

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (July 14, 2016)–Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of world ranked lightweight contender Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni to a co-promotional contract.

The 26 year-old has a perfect mark of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and currently ranked number-2 by the WBA. He is the current IBO Lightweight champion.

Ndongeni is a native of The Duncan Village area of Eastern Cape, South Africa, which produced world champions Vuyani Bungu, Mbuleo Botile and Simphiwe Vetyeka.

Ndongeni began boxing at the age of 17 and competed in 29 amateur bouts.

In just his 10th professional fight, Ndongeni captured the South African Super Featherweight title. He later added the South African Lightweight title.

Ndongeni also captured the WBA Pan African Lightweight title with a win over former world champion Mzonke Fana.

He is now looking for bigger title opportunities and with the new co-promotional agreement, Ndongeni is closer to realizing that goal.

“This is a dream come true,” said Ndongeni. “Every boxer who dreams of the big time dreams of America.”

“Every boxer dreams of making it in America. I have outgrown South Africa, where I have fought and beaten all the contenders. I’m prepared to fight anyone. All I want is the chance. I’m grateful to Banner Promotions for this opportunity. I won’t let them down.”

A member of the Xhosa Tribe, Ndongeni is a local hero, whose fans sing and dance whenever he fights. He even has his own praise song, “Nank uNivema whee Nomeva,” which his supporters sing out during his fights.

“Nomeva” means The Wasp.

He is trained by Colin Nathan, who states, “Everything Xolisani Ndongeni does is against the book, but somehow it works for him. He’s very charismatic and a great guy to work with. I think the United States audience will really warm to him.”

“Xolisani has two things going for him: a hunger to succeed borne from his impoverished upbringing, and his natural fighting ability. He’s very unorthodox, but he somehow makes it work. I’m hoping this venture into the US is the springboard to a great international career in one of the most dynamic weight divisions,”said Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions.

Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo said, “We are excited to get Xolisani in a major fight. It’s always a pleasure to work with my good friend Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves. He always has the best fighters in South Africa, and we feel we have a world champion with Xolisani. We look forward to helping him get the major opportunities that he covets and deserves.”