MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Jan. 16, 2014) – The eight fighters featured in tomorrow night’s ShoBox: The New Generation live telecast on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) made weight Thursday at Jerry Lee Lewis Cafe & Honky Tonk in downtown Memphis.
In an eagerly awaited 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday, Jan. 17, highly regarded, hard-hitting lightweight Ivan “The Terrible’’ Redkach (15-0, 13 KO’s), of Los Angeles, by way of Ukraine, puts his undefeated record on the line against once-beaten Tony “Lightning” Luis (17-1, 7 KO’s), of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada.
In three televised eight-rounders between six undefeated up-and-comers on an event presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Prize Fight Boxing: John “Apollo Kidd’’ Thompson (14-0, 5 KO’s), of Newark, N.J., faces “The Brooklyn Rocky” Frank “Notorious” Galarza (11-0-2, 7 KO’s), of Brooklyn, N.Y., Antoine “Action” Douglas (11-0, 7 KO’s), of Burke, Va., by way of Washington D.C. meets Marquis “MD Goodnite” Davis (8-0-2, 5 KO’s), of Tampa, Fla., in a middleweight match and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (12-0-1, 9 KO’s) of Dallas will be opposed by Abel Ramos (8-0, 4 KO’s), of Casa Grande, Ariz., by way of Gettysburg, Pa., in a junior welterweight scrap.
WEIGHTS: Redkach weighed 134¼ pounds, Luis tipped scale at 134½ pounds; Thompson weighed 153¼ pounds, Galarza 153½ pounds; Douglas weighed 158 pounds, Davis (making weight on his third attempt, 45 minutes after his initial try) weighed 159½ pounds; and Hooker and Ramos both tipped the scale at 141½ pounds.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with 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.
Below are the final thoughts from the fighters competing on SHOWTIME:
IVAN REDKACH
“This is going to be a great fight. I feel that it is the biggest of my career. I am facing a very good opponent who I know is coming to win.
“I appreciate the nice things people say about me, but boxing is my life and I put pressure on myself to be a world champion someday. I watch tape every day because I know there is still a lot of work for me to do.
“I am very focused. I want to perform well on SHOWTIME because if you don’t perform well on television you don’t always get invited back. I always want to finish my opponents because I know they are trying to take something away from me.’’
TONY LUIS
“This is definitely a career-defining fight for me and I am very excited about this opportunity. I’m looking at it as payback for my loss.
“This fight means everything to me. I know I can’t afford another loss on television, I can’t afford another loss – period.
“We all know about my opponent, but I have more experience and have been places as a pro that he hasn’t. There’s no denying his power or ability, but he hasn’t fought the caliber of me.
“I have a lot of respect for him, but I’ve learned so much since my loss. Speed makes power. I love that I am getting this chance. I didn’t come here to lose.’’
JOHN THOMPSON
“I feel that I’m still learning, but I love the fact I’m fighting against an undefeated opponent. I definitely consider this a step up and it’s one that can open new doors for me.
“I think his main focus is to punch his way to success, so I plan to keep him on the outside.
“I love fighting on television. It gives other people, nation-wide, a chance to see me. Fighting on SHOWTIME is excellent.’’
FRANK GALARZA
“I’m fighting a guy taller than me so he has the reach advantage, but I’m ready to do whatever I have to do. I feel I’ve become smarter with experience, that I use my mind and feet more and that I’m not just a brawler.
“He’s an aggressive guy. I plan to attack, but smartly, and see how it works. I’m not just going to go crazy in there. I actually think I’m more elusive than people think I am.
“This is a good fight for both of us, a good fight for boxing and a good one for ‘ShoBox’. I no longer feel I’m a one-dimensional fighter and I am excited for the chance for you to see what I’m all about.’’
ANTOINE DOUGLAS
“I’m excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME for the first time. I look at this as a big step, but I know the time is right and I’m in the right place to showcase my skills.
“I am not a bragger, but I want you to be able to say in six months that you remember when you saw me on ‘ShoBox’. I hope to show you greatness.
“My plan, like always, is to execute and not worry about what my opponent might do. I do what I have to do. I feel I can throw every punch. I feel I can adjust to anything. My mindset is probably more of a puncher but I feel I can do anything.’’
MARQUIS DAVIS
“I’m a power-puncher that likes to work on the inside. This is a great matchup because I want to make a statement and I know my opponent also wants to make a statement.
“I remember Douglas from the amateurs. He has talent but I don’t feel he’s been tested as a pro like I have. I consider my draws, like losses, and they’ve only served to motivate me more. If you win easy all the time, you get comfortable. I learned that lesson with the draws.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I expect to get better as the fight progresses.’’
MAURICE HOOKER
“I’m moving from six rounds to eight rounds, and he’s moving from four to eight, but it won’t matter. I’m ready. I consider myself a boxer-puncher. I like to go inside but will also fight from the outside.
“Bottom line is, I love to fight. I come from a tough area near Dallas. But I know I need to fight smart and utilize my physical attributes. I’m not underestimating Ramos; he can really box but I’m totally prepared.
“I’m dedicating this fight to Muhammad Ali, who is 72 on Friday. I’ll be wearing a patch on my trunks in his honor.’’
ABEL RAMOS
“This is my first fight outside Arizona, but I traveled a lot in the amateurs. I’m a little nervous but definitely more excited about this opportunity.
“Condition-wise, going up to eight rounds, will not be a problem. I’m actually really looking forward to it. It gives me more time to break down my opponent.’’
