MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (May 6, 2005) – Undefeated Sechew Powell knocked out Cornelius Bundrage 22 seconds into the first round Friday on “ShoBox: The New Generation.” In the action-packed co-feature from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., Yuri Foreman shut out Kevin Cagle in an eight-round junior middleweight tussle.
SHOWTIME televised the DiBella Entertainment doubleheader at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). The telecast represented the 61st in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Powell (16-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., won the quickest fight in “ShoBox” history. At the opening bell, both fighters swung and connected, knocking each other down. The referee ruled, possibly incorrectly, that both fighters slipped. As soon as the fighters regained their feet, Powell decked Bundrage with a solid straight left. Bundrage got back to his feet but stumbled and fell again, prompting the stoppage. Powell made his SHOWTIME and “ShoBox” debuts on June 17, 2004, against Grady Brewer in Laughlin, Nev., triumphing by the scores 76-75 twice and 75-76 after the eighth. Powell impressed in his second appearance on “ShoBox,” Jan. 21, 2005, and registered an eight-round unanimous decision over Patrick Thompson scored 80-71, 80-72 and 79-73.
Bundrage (21-1, 13 KOs), of Detroit, got hit twice and fell both times in his SHOWTIME debut. He captured the United Boxing Association (UBA) Intercontinental light middleweight title on Feb. 18, 2005, by scoring a TKO at 1:27 of the second round over Jonathan Corn. Undefeated through his first 21 fights, Bundrage had scored knockouts in his last five fights heading into his “ShoBox” debut.
Foreman (18-0, seven KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Russia, set the rhythm and pace of the bout, thoroughly outclassing his opponent. Foreman started to take control of the fight in the second round with sharp combinations and solid left hooks. Foreman’s stamina never waned en route to the easy eight-round decision, scored 80-72 on all three scorecards. He made his pro debut on Jan. 24, 2002, and recorded a first-round knockout over Israel Felix in New York, N.Y.
Cagle (16-1, 12 KOs), of Albermorle, N.C., was quick and athletic throughout the fight. He was able to hurt Foreman a few times with his right hand. After knocking out his initial seven opponents, Cagle won the Carolina Boxing Association (CBA) 154-pound crown with a second-round KO over Travis Clybourn.
“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.
The next “ShoBox” telecast is May 20 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (13-0-1, six KOs) will make a record fifth “ShoBox” appearance when he takes on Marco Angel Perez (21-6, 14 KOs). An under card will be announced shortly.
SHOWTIME’s great weekend of boxing continues Saturday night. In a highly anticipated match-up, the two best 135-pound boxers in the world will square off when two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo takes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion Diego “Chico’’ Corrales in a world title unification bout Saturday, May 7, 2005, on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). In the excellent SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, International Boxing Federation/World Boxing Association (IBF/WBA) Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez will defend his titles against WBA No. 5 contender, Victor Polo.
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.
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.