Boxing
SHOBOX: Exclusive Holyfield Interview As Part Of Exciting U.K. Doubleheader

Unbeaten Heavyweight Contender John McDermott vs. Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Nicolay Popov

Undefeated 122-Pound Contender Stephen Foster vs. 122-Pound Contender Alexander Abramenko

Thursday, September 18, 2003, at 11:05 PM ET/PT*

From Goresbrook Leisure Center, Dagenham, England

NEW YORK (Sept. 16, 2003) – The popular boxing series “ShoBox: The New Generation” will return to the United Kingdom on Thursday, Sept. 18, when undefeated heavyweights John McDermott and Nicolay Popov square off in the 10-round main event from Goresbrook Leisure Center in Dagenham, England. In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated 122-pound contender Stephen Foster will take on Alexander Abramenko. SHOWTIME will televise both bouts, promoted by Frank Warren’s Sports Network, at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT*.

The telecast represents the 35th in a series of “ShoBox” telecasts that began on July 21, 2001, and will feature an exclusive interview Nick Charles conducted with Evander Holyfield as the four-time heavyweight champion continues to prepare for his Oct. 4 pay-per-view heavyweight showdown against James Toney. The interview features Holyfield’s thoughts on his career, his opinion of Toney, and his secret to remaining hungry after 20 years in the ring.

“This will be the best fight of the year,” said Holyfield in his interview with Charles. “I want to end my career with a bang. I will win this fight because I will make the necessary adjustments to come out on top.”

In addition to the Holyfield interview, the ShoBox telecast also will feature Steve Farhood’s analysis of the exciting Oct. 4 undercard fight pitting Diego Corrales against Joel Casamayor. Fans will get a sneak preview of this exciting match-up as Farhood provides his expertise to break down this tremendous showdown.

McDermott (16-0, 10 KOs), of Basildon, England, scored an eight-round decision over Konstantin Prizuk in his most recent outing on May 8, 2003, in Widnes, England. The fight marked the first time the talented up-and-comer had been extended past six rounds. McDermott made his pro debut at age 20 on Sept. 23, 2000, with a first-round TKO over Alvin Miller in Bethnal Green, England. Overall, the hard-hitting fighter has registered eight victories inside of three rounds.

Popov (9-0, 4 KOs), of Ekaterinburg, Russia, registered a four-round decision in his professional debut over Pavel Kalabin on Jan. 31, 2002. Five of Popov’s nine career fights have taken place in his native Ekaterinburg, where he is 5-0 with three knockouts. When he steps into the ring on Sept. 18 in England, it will mark the first time Popov has fought professionally outside of Russia. In his most recent bout on June 12, 2003, Popov earned an eight-round split decision over Alexei Osokin in Samara, Russia.

Foster (11-0, 6 KOs), of Salford, England, is coming off of a third-round TKO in his last fight over David McIntyre on July 12, 2003. The win was Foster’s second victory over McIntyre in his past three fights. In his initial professional outing, Foster tallied a four-round decision over Andrew Greenway in Manchester, England. Since entering the pro ranks, the England native has only been taken past the fourth round once. On May 24, 2003, registered a six-round decision over Henry James on May 24, 2003.

Abramenko (3-0, 1 KO), of Russia, earned a six-round decision over Vladimir Ignatovich in his pro debut on April 25, 2003. Less than one month later on May 23, Abramenko scored a second-round TKO over Maxim Zhukov. In his most recent outing on June 25, 2003, Abramenko captured a six-round decision over Alexander Buylov. Each of the undefeated Russian’s three bouts have taken place in Minsk, Byelo.

“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.

Nick Charles will call the action from ringside, with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producers of the telecast are Jay Larkin and Gordon Hall, with Richard Gaughan producing.

The next ShoBox telecast will feature a special prime time edition on Friday, Oct. 3, from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, and kicks off a weekend of heavyweights in Las Vegas. In the 10-round main event, undefeated heavyweight Cedric Boswell will take on World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 6 contender Jameel McCline, while unbeaten heavyweight Malcolm Tann will face Mali native Cisse Salif in the eight-round co-feature. SHOWTIME will televise both bouts, presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The following evening on Saturday, Oct. 4, legendary champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will step into the ring against current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight Champion James “Lights Out” Toney in a 12-round heavyweight showdown live on pay per view, at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The HOLYFIELD - TONEY pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Goossen Tutor Promotions will present the event, which will be distributed by SHOWTIME Pay Per View and carries a suggested retail price of $44.95.
*Tape Delayed East and West Coast.

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