12.03.04 – Four different belts will be at stake on “ShoBox: The New Generation” when unbeaten North American Boxing Organization (NABO)/International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Light Heavyweight champion Rico “Suave” Hoye opposes World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas/North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight titleholder Donnell “Cadillac” Wiggins in a 12-round contest Thursday, March 18, on SHOWTIME.
In the 10-round middleweight co-feature, undefeated WBA FEDECENTRO Middleweight Champion Daniel “The Haitian Sensation” Edouard will take on Dorian Beaupierre. SHOWTIME will televise the Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, promoted doubleheader live at 11 p.m. ET/PT* from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif. The telecast represents the 39th in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Hoye (15-0, 12 KOs), of Detroit, will make his second “ShoBox” start. In his network debut, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 8 light heavyweight contender rallied from a second-round knockdown to capture the vacant IBA crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Prince Badi Ajamu June 5, 2003, on SHOWTIME. The talented boxer-puncher outpointed Ajamu by the scores 118-109 twice and 117-110. Four months later on Oct. 11, 2003, Hoye added the NABO belt to his resume with a second-round TKO over Etianne Whitaker in Auburn Hills, Mich. Hoye, whose father and grandfather boxed professionally, made his pro debut at age 26 on June 20, 2001, with a third-round knockout over Omar Pucci. Known as “Suave” for his moves and smooth, fluid style, Hoye scored a first-round knockout over Marris Virgil in his last start on Dec. 12, 2003. The early KO represented Hoye’s fifth opening-round stoppage. The 29 year old has averaged three rounds per bout during his 15 contests.
Wiggins (20-3-2, 11 KOs), of Covington, Tenn., went 8-1-1 in 2003, and is 14-2-1 in his past 17 fights. A five-fight winning streak and nine-bout unbeaten streak (8-0-1) ended in his most recent outing when Wiggins lost a hard-fought contest to promising unbeaten Jeff Lacy Dec. 13, 2003, on SHOWTIME. Confident and competitive from the outset, Wiggins landed a number of clean and effective punches, stunned the 2000 Olympian, and had Lacy’s left eye swollen. A solid boxer, Wiggins captured the vacant NABF light heavyweight belt with a 12-round majority decision over Rodney Moore on Oct. 11, 2003.
Edouard (15-0, 8 KOs), of Babylon, N.Y., made his “Shobox” debut on Oct. 3, 2003, and registered a 10-round majority decision over previously unbeaten Miguel Espino. In a terrific performance, Edouard captured the contest by the scores 96-94 twice and 95-95. The 23-year-old Florida native has fought 15 times during the two years since he turned pro on March 22, 2002. During an impressive amateur career, Edouard compiled a 74-16 record and won the 1997 Police Athletic League (PAL) Championship at 178 pounds. In his last outing, Edouard scored a fifth-round TKO over Ian Smith on Dec. 12, 2003, to earn the vacant WBA FEDECENTRO crown.
Beaupierre (11-1, 5 KOs), of Rahway, N.J., by way of Dominica, will fight in his eighth different state in 13 fights. The well-traveled fighter turned pro at age 24 by scoring a second-round TKO over Rodney Wilson on Jan. 5, 2001, in Biloxi, Ms. Since he suffered his lone setback to open the 2002 campaign, Beaupierre has reeled off eight consecutive victories. On Feb. 13, 2004, the 28 year old registered an eight-round split decision in his last outing over Dante Craig in North Las Vegas, Nev. One judge scored it 77-74 for Craig, while the two others had it 78-74 and 77-75 in favor of Beaupierre.
“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 producer of the telecast is 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.
The Chumash Casino Resort is located in Santa Barbara County, Calif., between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. In its 190,000 square foot facility, the Chumash Casino Resort offers Las Vegas-style gaming, 24-hours seven days a week.