16.09.04 – Photos: Tom Casino/Showtime – Rico Hoye was fortunate to escape with a split decision over Montell Griffin by the scores of 116-112 (twice) for Hoye and 115-113 for Griffin, Thursday on SHOWTIME. In the “ShoBox: The New Generation” co-feature, Al Seeger scored a unanimous decision over Eric Aiken by the scores of 76-72 (twice) and 75-73. The doubleheader, which took place at Kewadin Casino, was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and aired at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). It was the 51st fight show in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Hoye (18-0, 14 KOs), of Detroit, came into the fight with a seven-inch height- and reach-advantage over his opponent. The young prospect was able to hold his own against the crafty veteran, scattering a few flurries throughout the fight, proving to be enough to win. Hoye captured the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Continental 175-pound crown with a 12-round decision over Prince Badi Ajamu June 5, 2003, on “ShoBox.” Four months later on Oct. 11, 2003, Hoye added the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) belt by scoring a second-round TKO over Etianne Whitaker in Auburn Hills, Mich. On March 18, 2004, Hoye expanded his belt collection by winning both the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas light heavyweight crowns with an opening-round destruction over Donnell Wiggins on “ShoBox” from Santa Ynez, Calif.
Griffin (46-5, 30 KOs), of Chicago, put on a boxing clinic, demonstrating sound defense and anticipation throughout the bout. The challenger appeared to have won the fight, but did not get the benefit of the judges’ decision. Griffin was the first man ever to defeat Roy Jones Jr. as a professional boxer, on March 21, 1997 to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion. In his 15th pro start, Griffin earned a 12-round majority decision over James Toney to capture the IBF Intercontinental 175-pound title. Griffin’s speed and movement frustrated Toney throughout and allowed him to win by the scores 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114.
Seeger (20-1, 16 KOs), of Savannah, Ga., controlled the majority of the fight by using his jab to move Aiken back. He staggered Aiken with an overhand right to the chin in the fifth round. Seeger was deducted points in the third and the seventh rounds. Following an illustrious amateur career, Seeger turned pro at age 22 on April 27, 2002, with a second-round KO over Daniel Amaro. The pride of Georgia fought his first 20 pro bouts in Savannah.
Aiken (11-2, eight KOs), of Forestville, Md., floored Seeger in the opening seconds of the bout. Despite confusing Seeger by switching from right-handed to southpaw throughout the contest, Aiken failed to land any punches of consequence after the initial round. Aiken was deducted a point in the third round. He had won 10 consecutive contests since splitting his initial two pro bouts. The 24-year-old slugger, who had taken on seven out of his past eight opponents in Washington, D.C., has compiled four opening-round knockouts in 13 bouts.
“ShoBox: The New Generation” features up-and-coming prospects determined to make a mark and eventually fight for a chance at a world title. The best of the new generation of hungry, young boxers will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and heart as they battle each other in competitive fights in front of a national television audience. “ShoBox: The New Generation” is pure, basic boxing, reminiscent of the golden days of the sport. Five fighters who have appeared on “ShoBox” have gone on to become world champions: Kermit Cintron, Juan Diaz, Leonard Dorin, Joan Guzman and Scott Harrison. Roughly 15 percent of the boxers who have battled on “ShoBox” have gone on to become world-rated boxers.
Nick Charles called Thursday’s action from ringside, with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of the telecast was Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing.
The next “ShoBox” telecast is Friday, October 22, on SHOWTIME. The doubleheader will be shown live from the Chumash Hotel & Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.
For information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http:www.sho.com/boxing.