ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" SHAFIKOV ENDS NUGAEV WINNING STREAK JOSE PEDRAZA STOPS MARTINEZ IN SIX

SANTA YNEZ, CA (August 15, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions presented another great edition ofESPN "Friday Night Fights" at the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.

In the main-event, Lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev's (27-7-1, 17 KOs) five fight knockout streak was halted by a very determined Denis Shafikov (34-1-1, 18 KOs), who put on a stellar performance winning by TKO at the 1:16 mark of round 9.  With the victory, Shafikov becomes the mandatory challenger to fight IBF Lightweight Champion Miguel Vasquez, whom he just lost a close unanimous decision to in his last fight.

"Tonight Shafikov was the better man," said Nugaev. "I couldn't get into a good rhythm with my game plane and it showed.  I still feel I have a lot of fight left in me and I promise I'll be back to fight another day.  I want to thank Gary Shaw for all that he's done for me.  I'm very disappointed I didn't perform to my best ability tonight, but like I said...I'll be back."

In the co-main event, Puerto Rico's shining star and IBO Super-Featherweight champion, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (18-0, 12 KOs), looked sensational as he defeated the rough and rugged Juan Carlos Martinez (20-15-1, 7 KOs) by way of knockout when Martinez quit on his stool after the sixth round.  The win gets Pedraza one step closer to a world title opportunity as he is currently rankedWBA #4, IBF #7 and WBC #7.

"I knew Martinez was a very tough fighter coming in, but I wanted to make a statement and let the boxing world know that I'm for real," said Pedraza. "I feel I'm ready to fight any of the champions in my weight class.  I'm going to let my promoter Gary Shaw put everything together.  I know I have the talent to bring a world title back home to my people of Puerto Rico.  I'll be back in the gym as soon as I return home."

Undercard Results

Francisco Santana  defeated Luis Alfredo Lugo (5th round TKO)

Khabir Suleymanov defeated Rufino Serrano (Majority Decision) 

Edwin Sandoval defeated Lyonell Kelly (Unanimous Decision) 

Makani Sarellano defeated Andrew Tinae (4th round KO)

Carlos Samuel Lopez defeated Azamat Umarzada (Unanimous Decision)

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" NUGAEV vs. SHAFIKOV

FRIDAY AUGUST  15, 2014

FROM THE CHUMASH RESORT CASINO

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

"This is going to be one hell of a fight" - Gary Shaw

SANTA YNEZ, CA (August 11, 2014) - Promoter Gary Shaw believes the scheduled main-event onESPN "Friday Night Fights" this week, featuring lightweights Rustam Nugaev vs. Denis Shafikov, is going to be a potential fight of the year candidate. 

Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs), who's rated IBF #5, WBC #3 and WBA #7, is currently riding a 5-fight knockout streak since arriving from Russian in 2013.  Shafikov (33-1-1, 18 KOs), is coming off a 12-round unanimous loss to current IBF champion, Miguel Vasquez (33-3, 13 KOs).  Both fighters have an aggressive style which Gary Shaw believes will make for an exciting night of boxing.  The winner will position himself as the mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF title.

"This is going to be one hell of a fight for the fans," said Gary Shaw. "Nugaev is a tremendous puncher with a great chin and he loves to bring the fight to his opponent.  Shafikov is similar as he also likes to come forward and throw big shots. Both fighters have a lot to gain with a victory.  With the winner becoming the mandatory to fight for the IBF title, I see nothing but fireworks in this fight, and I feel Nugaev will come out on top."

"I have to commend ESPN for showcasing a real fight, a fight that the fans are guaranteed to enjoy.  There have been a lot of mismatches in boxing of late and fight fans deserve to see more hard-hitting competitive fights, especially in a main event attraction.  In Nugaev vs. Shafikov, you have two fighters who are putting everything on the line to get a world title opportunity.  This Friday a "WAR" will be shown on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" so everyone should be tuning in.  This fight has the potential to be Fight of the Year."

The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday August 15, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. 

Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M. 

ESPN "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" PEDRAZA vs. MARTINEZ

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS

Press Release For Immediate Release

CO-MAIN EVENT TO NUGAEV vs. SHAFIKOV FRIDAY AUGUST  15, 2014 FROM THE CHUMASH RESORT CASINO UNDERCARD BOUTS ANNOUNCED TICKETS ON SALE NOW SANTA YNEZ, CA (August 6, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions undefeated Super-Featherweight sensation, Puerto Rico's, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (17-0, 11 KOs), makes his way back to the ring against Juan Carlos Martinez (20-14-1, 7 KOs) August 15, 2014 as the co-feature to Rustam Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs) vs. Denis Shafikov (33-1-1, 18 KOs). The 10-round bout will air live on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" and will take place at Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Pedraz, who's knocked out five of his last seven opponents, is currently ranked WBA #4, IBF #7 and WBC #7.  A slick boxer-puncher, Pedraza is not looking past Martinez who recently defeated top contender Alejandro Perez.  He vows to put on a great performance for all the fans in attendance, as well as those watching on TV. "Martinez is coming off an impressive win against Perez who is a good fighter," said Pedraza. "I know he's going to be coming with all he's got to try to knock me off, but I'll be ready for anything he brings. Gary Shaw and Javier Bustillo have once again got me a wonderful opportunity to showcase my skills on an international stage.  A world title fight is right around the corner and I just want to keep getting better with each fight. I'm excited to put on a good show for the fans." "Bustillo and I have really seen the improvement in Pedraza with each fight," said Gary Shaw. "He's advancing brilliantly.  I know he has the skills to take his career to the next level.  Martinez has a lot of skill and he is going to bring a unique style, but I'm confident Pedraza will use his superior boxing skills to come out victorious." Undercard Bouts 8-Round Welterweight Bout Francisco Santana (20-3-1, 9 KOs) vs. Wilfredo Acuna (15-15, 12 KOs) 6-Round Featherweight Bout Rufino Serrano (14-5, 1 KO) vs. Khabir Suleymanov (16-4-1, 6 KOs) 4-Round Super-Bantamweight Bout Edwin Sandoval (2-1, 1 KO) vs. Lyonell Kelly (0-3) 4-Round Heavyweight Bout Makani Sarellano (1-1, 1 KO) vs. Andrew Tinae (0-2) 4-Round Super-Middleweight Bout Carlos Samuel Lopez vs. Jamal Harris (5-10-4, 3 KOs) The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday August 15, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.  Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

Crossroads fight for Derrick Wilson

Saturday vs. undefeated Braulio Santos in Sunrise, FL

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 27, 2013) - The once promising career of former amateur standout Derrick Wilson (9-4-2, 3 KOs) is at the crossroads for his 10-round main event fight this Saturday night against undefeated featherweight Braulio Santos (10-0, 9 KOs) in Sunrise, Florida. Wilson, fighting out of Fort Myers (FL), was a 2004 National Silver Gloves champion. He won 50 of 57 amateur bouts, all losses coming in national competition, but he's been relegated to the "B" side as an opponent throughout most of his professional career. "I took a different route than usual because I didn't have the right backing," Wilson explained. "I come from a small town, Fort Myers, and after my first pro fight I signed with a manager who brought me to Miami. I left my trainer, Larry Wills, who taught me everything, and went from trainer to trainer. I was young and living by myself in Miami. I've been through a lot but I'm back working with Coach Larry. The 24-year-old won his first four pro fights, drew on the road with unbeaten (6-0-1) Kermit Gonzalez, and then registered his most significant victory thus far against 11-0 Charles Huerta in Los Angeles. Wilson showed his promise by stopping Huerta in the opening round, after which he signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. "I was supposed to lose to Huerta," Wilson said. "All the hype was about him but I won that fight in his hometown. I took it on short notice but knew that I was going to win. I just didn't give him a chance. I missed an overhand right, blocked a punch as I pulled back, and then I hit him with a left hook that made his whole body shake." Unaware of same-day weigh-ins in Pennsylvania versus Philadelphia, Wilson was weak when he entered the ring in Philadelphia versus Guadalupe De Leon (7-9), and he proceeded to lose a four-round split decision. Wilson then fought another draw on the road, to Adam Ocha, followed with a win by four-round decision over Samuel Sanchez. Next up was a fight in Denver against 7-0 Ricky Lopez, who was decked in the opening round, en route to a loss by six-round decision. Four months later, Wilson avenged his loss to DeLeon, taking one-sided eight round decision in Florida, which set-up a World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental title fight against future Puerto Rican world champion, Javier Fortuna. Fortuna (13-0, 10 KOs) knocked out a game Wilson in the eighth round. "I had no business being in that fight with Fortuna," Wilson admitted. "I had trained only two weeks, not knowing he was left-handed and sparring right-handers. It was a close fight until it stopped." Wilson bounced back with a first-round technical knockout of Mario Lacey, but Derrick has lost his last two fights against Alejandro Perez (15-3-1) and Luis Rosa (11-0), respectively, by eighth-round knockout and eight-round decision. "This is a great fight for him," Wilson's manager Si Stern noted about Saturday's match-up versus Santos. "I give Golden Boy credit. Things didn't work out when they signed Derrick but they still think enough of him to put him in the main event against their undefeated prospect. When Derrick has his mind straight, he's one helluva fighter who is very tough. If he wins this fight, the sky's the limit." Four of upset-minded Wilson's nine victories have come against undefeated opponents. He's determined to turn his career around by defeating another unbeaten opponent, hard-hitting Santos, this Saturday evening. "People haven't seen the real me, yet, but they will in this fight," Wilson concluded. "This is my first fight back with my coach. I'm sharp with speed and quickness; my speed will confuse him. I won't be loading up like I have in the past. A win will boost me up. I'm going in as the opponent but I'm not going to be used as a stepping-stone anymore. "I never had people picking the right opponents for me like some fighters. I wasn't in a position to turn down fights. I took some on late notice and fought in everybody's backyard. Now, I have Si as my manager. I need to prove myself to get on the 'A' side and this fight could do that for me."

ALEJANDRO PEREZ WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION, DEALS ART HOVHANNISYAN HIS FIRST LOSS IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FROM MORONGO CASINO RESORT IN CABAZON, CALIF.

 Undefeated Tureano Johnson Whips Willie Fortune in Co-Feature;

 Replay Is Thursday, Feb. 28, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

CABAZON, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2013) – For the 102^nd and 103^rd times in its 10½-year history, a previously unbeaten fighter suffered the first loss of his career on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME^®.

The latest was Art “Lionheart” Hovhannisyan, of Glendale, Calif., who dropped a close, unanimous 10-round decision to Alejandro “El Alacran” Perez, ofSalinas, Calif., in an action-packed main event Friday night at Morongo Casino Resort.

Perez (17-3-1, 11 KOs) outpointed the naturally bigger Hovhannisyan (15-1-2, 8KOs) by the scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94. There were no knockdowns.

Earlier, Tureano “Reno” Johnson (14-0, 10 KOs), of the Bahamas, dealtDetroit’s Willie Fortune (15-1, 7 KOs) his initial setback on a lopsided eight-round decision. Johnson won the opening bout of the telecast by 80-72 on the three judges’ scorecards.

The victory in a scrap for the vacant NABO junior lightweight championship was Perez’ first in three starts on ShoBox.

“Over the years on ShoBox, the series has been very liberal about bringing back fighters coming off losses or, in this case, two losses,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood. “So our belief in Perez as a viable opponent was justified.’’

Perez and Hovhannisyan are quite familiar with each other, having sparred as many as 80 rounds in the past. They are pals. But they didn’t perform like it, treating the fans to an entertaining, fast-paced, hard-fought fight that featured numerous heated exchanges.

“What made the main event so entertaining was that these two friends didn’t fight like friends,’’ Farhood said. “What was surprising was that both were most effective when they were boxing and picking their spots, which is an uncharacteristic style for both of them. The difference turned out to be Perez’ body work and a slightly superior work rate.’’

Farhood and ShoBox blow-by-blow announcer Barry Tompkins had Perez up by one point at the finish, while the third man at ringside, expert analyst and former world champion, Raul Marquez, had Perez winning by three.

The crowd-pleasing Perez lost his previous ShoBox fights to then-highly regarded prospects Diego Magdaleno and Rico Ramos. Magdaleno is still perfect as a pro; Ramos went on to become a world champion.

“It’s a great relief to finally win one on ShoBox, but I definitely felt I had it,’’ said Perez, who was triumphant despite getting docked a point for a low blow in the fifth.  “All the hard work paid off for me. Although this was my first fight in a year, I never stopped training and never quit going to the gym.

“I think I surprised Art with my straight right hands down the middle. I don’t think he expected that. It was something we worked on specifically for this fight. I train hard to please the fans and give them a great show, and I think we gave them a great fight tonight.’’

A bitterly disappointed Hovhannisyan didn’t seem as upset with the decision as he was with himself. “It was a close fight,’’ he said. “I didn’t throw enough punches.’’

That wasn’t the case with Johnson, who landed countless shots with both hands against Fortune, but couldn’t drop him.

“Johnson was obviously the stronger, busier fighter,’’ Farhood said. “While his technique was often lacking, he still dominated.’’

Johnson may have been victorious by a landslide, but it wasn’t the kind of performance he wanted or expected from himself. “This was really a frustrating fight for me because I really wanted to win it by knockout,’’ he said. “I am mad at myself for making so many amateur mistakes.

“Fortune is a tough, tough guy and I hit him with all kinds of solid shots that most fighters would go down from. But when he didn’t, I didn’t alter my attack. I didn’t show patience. I didn’t listen to my corner, who wanted me to move more and fight a more technical fight. At the end of the day, this was a good learning experience for me. I know, though, that I can fight much better.’’

Willie’s fortune never turned for the better, although he says he thought he’d won at least two or three rounds. “I just had no springs in my legs,’’ he said. “Maybe I was still on Detroit time, I don’t know. Overall, I just didn’t have it. But I think we put on a good show, so at least I can be happy about that.’’

Fortune’s cousin, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage, will look to get the family back on the winning track when he defends his IBF junior middleweight world title against Ishe Smith in the main event today/Saturday, Feb. 23, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Masonic Temple Theatre inDetroit.

The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Friday’s Gary Shaw Productions-promoted doubleheader will re-air this week as follows:

            DAY                                                                 CHANNEL

           Thursday, Feb. 28, at 10 p.m. ET/PT             SHOWTIME EXTREME

The twinbill will be available ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Feb. 23.

SHOBOX FINAL QUOTES & WEIGHTS: ART HOVHANNISYAN & ALEJANDRO PEREZ, TUREANO JOHNSON & WILLIE FORTUNE

ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader

Tomorrow/Friday, Feb. 22, Live on SHOWTIME^®  at 11 p.m. ET/PT

From Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon, Calif.

CABAZON, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2013) – The boxers who will fight on a terrific doubleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Feb. 22, live on SHOWTIME^® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) made weight on their first attempts Thursday at Morongo Casino Resort.

Main eventers Art “Lionheart” Hovhannisyan (15-0-2, 8 KOs), of Glendale,Calif., and Alejandro “El Alacran” Perez (16-3-1, 11 KOs), of Salinas, Calif., each tipped the scale at 130 pounds.

In an eight-round collision of unbeatens in the co-feature that opens the telecast, Tureano “Reno” Johnson (13-0, 10 KOs), who represented the Bahamas in the 2008 Olympic Games, faces Willie Fortune (15-0, 7 KOs), of Detroit, Mich., in a middleweight match. Johnson weighed 159 pounds, Fortune 157.

Tickets for the Gary Shaw Productions event are priced $35 and $55 and are on sale at the Morongo Casino Box Office or by calling the Box Office hotline at (951) 755-5391. They are also available by calling Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Doors open on fight night at 5 p.m. The first fight starts at 5:30 p.m. The Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is located at 49500 Seminole Dr. in Cabazon, 92230.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts.  The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillipsdirecting.

What the fighters said Thursday:

ART HOVHANNISYAN

“We’ve sparred a lot, we know each other well and we’re friends. But business is business and once the bell sounds, the fight is on. I know what Alejandro is capable of so there’s no way I underestimate him. He’s going to give it everything he has. So am I. I expect him to come right at me and try and outhustle me

“I want to fight for a world title this year, and it doesn’t matter which champion I fight. Alejandro has fought some good guys like Diego Magdaleno and Rico Ramos, so this fight should show me where I’m at. This is obviously a very important fight for me.

“I thought going 10 hard rounds in my last fight (against former world champion Miguel Acosta) was good for me. He was a strong, tough guy. I felt in order to win I had to pick it up in the last two or three rounds, which I did. I’m hoping to be very active this year.’’

ALEJANDRO PEREZ

“There’s no way this won’t be an all-action fight. We both come to fight, and there’s a lot on the line.

“I’ve always been patient between fights looking for the right opportunity, and I never quit training or stayed out of the gym. So even though this is my first fight in a year, I’m in great shape and ready to go. My training camp was excellent. This is a great opportunity for me.

“I feel I’ve grown into a strong 130-pounder. My dieting and conditioning is different so making the weight is no problem and I feel stronger.

“When we sparred we both got in our fair share of good shots. I feel I know what to expect from Art. Art isn’t just a puncher, he can box. But for sure he comes to fight. My job is to try and stay a couple steps ahead of him. I’ve got some new stuff I’m bringing into this fight so I’m well-prepared.’’

TUREANO JOHNSON

“There’s been only one world champion from the Bahamas, Olisha Obed (former WBC 154-pound titlist). I want to be the next. I’m going to be the greatest champion of all time.

“My last two fights were at 168, but I have no trouble making 160 pounds. I just took those fights to see how my power was affected at the higher weights. But I feel my immediate future is fighting middleweight, or maybe even at 154.

“When I heard I had the opportunity to fight Forture, I jumped at the chance. Honestly, I can’t believe they took the fight. But it’s here and I’m treating it as the most important fight of my career.

“I feel I should have already fought for a world title. I was very discouraged when I had the long layoff (July 2010 to January 2012), but I fought nine times last year and I enjoyed all nine fights. I’m back on track to get to where I want to be.

“Sometimes I feel pity for the guys in the ring I hit. But I’m not just a power guy and I hope to show I can be a more complete fighter. I know what I can do, but I want to show the world. I want to be the best.’’

WILLIE FORTUNE

“This guy talks a lot. I’m from Detroit, so I just show and take care of business. I let my fists do the talking. The key to this fight, and all fights, is to hit and not be hit, to make him miss and then make him pay for his mistakes.

“I love the fact I’m fighting on SHOWTIME. This is the network that features the next generation of top fighters, the next crop of rising stars. I’m confident I can take advantage of this huge opportunity.”