Top Super-Bantamweight Prospects to Fight Aug. 10

12.07 - It was only a matter of time before the rising careers of super-bantamweights Fabio Oliva of Argentina and Omar Adorno of Puerto Rico would cross paths.

How good are they? They’re good enough that they’ve caught the attention of Showtime’s new boxing series, “ShoBox: The New Generation,’’ which will televise their Aug.10 fight at the new 14,000 seat outdoor arena at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, CA.

Showtime cable network's "ShoBox" series televises fights of elite up-and-coming prospects. The live event will begin at 1:15 p.m. (PT) with the first televised bout scheduled for 2 p.m. (PT). The broadcast will be delayed on the West Coast, with a national television start time at 5 p.m. in all markets.

Along with the Oliva-Adorno fight, Showtime will also televise the semi-main event between undefeated lightweight prospects Adan Hernandez (11-0, 4 KOs) of El Paso, Texas and Hugo Lewis (12-0-1, 10 KOs) of Georgetown, Guyana.

Also scheduled to appear on the card is fan favorite, former Playboy model and boxing sensation, Mia “The Knockout” St. John (25-1, 12 KOs).

With Oliva (18-0, 9 KOs) and Adorno (14-2, 10 KOs), fight fans will get a peek at the future of the super-bantamweight division.

Adorno, a member of the 1996 Puerto Rico Olympic team, is a straight-up fighter who, according to his manager Harry Padilla, has good punching power.

“He comes to fight,’’ Padilla said. “People like his style and he knows how to box. He’s been in with some seasoned fighters, and he’s always in the gym. He’s very hungry and he’s going to fight like a hungry fighter.’’ Added Adorno, “I want to follow in the footsteps of my countryman, Felix Trinidad. I’m an exciting fighter and the fans will love to cheer me on.”

According to Oliva’s manager, Santiago Tapia, his fighter is anxious to be making his first appearance outside his home country of Argentina. He says his fighter is a slick boxer who shows a lot of power.

“Styles make fights and his (Adorno) style is perfect for me,’’ Oliva said. “I’m always attacking, always moving forward. When I saw how excited the fans got when they would see a (Roberto) Duran or (Mike) Tyson always on the attack, I knew it was the style I wanted. I need to show the people that no one will beat me.”

“Fabio is very popular in Argentina and this is a great opportunity for him. He knows this is a tough fight for him, but the risk was overshadowed by the ability to showcase his skills in front of America,’’ stated Tapia.

Goossen Tutor Promotions' Dan Goossen, the event's promoter said, “its exciting to promote tomorrow’s stars today on Showtime’s very successful new series. We have a terrific match-up of some of the hottest young fighters emerging into the spotlight, and couple that with the grand opening of a beautiful new outdoor arena, like none other in Southern California, and you have the ingredients of a powerhouse event.”

In the Hernandez - Lewis fight, both boxers are intent to remain undefeated.

“I’m an all-action fighter,’’ said Lewis. “My knockout record shows I’ve got plenty of power. Going in against another undefeated fighter gives me the stage to show my power, so I’m expecting a good tough fight.’’

Following a win over tough John Trigg on June 15, Hernandez has continued with his training in preparation for Lewis.

“I know he’s a strong and powerful fighter,’’ Hernandez said. “But this fight is on Showtime and it’s important I give a great performance. After winning this fight, I’ll take another step toward my goal.’’

The fans at the event and at home will be treated to one of the “hottest” ring announcers emerging in the business, former Playboy model Amy Hayes. Ms. Hayes was a recent presenter at the Victor Awards, the longest running sports award show (34 years) in the history of television.