ShoBox: The New Generation returned to Showtime on Friday, May 11, 2018, live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, with a stacked card of top prospects looking to advance themselves one step closer towards their goal of a world title.
The evening featured Lightweight Devin Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), Super Bantamweight Joshua Greer (17-1-1, 9 KOs), Light Heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-1-1, 12 KOs) and Super Bantamweight Arnold Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in separate bouts.
Highly regarded as one of boxing’s best young prodigies, the undefeated 19-year-old Haney welcomed what was advertised to be the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event.
This card was a standout to boxing enthusiasts, not due to the names on the card, but rather that all of the fights were very equally matched in records and level of skill. This card, on paper, had the potential to provide some very tough fights and in spurts it lived up to the expectation.
The evening started with Arnold Khegai scoring a unanimous-decision victory over ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez.
Lopez was a game opponent, but just found himself out-worked and over-matched by the sharp and effective punches of Khegai throughout the fight.
The card continued to the Light Heavyweight division, in which Charles Foster improved to 16-0, by securing a unanimous-decision victory over Alvin Varmall Jr.
Foster was the more effective and more accurate puncher who seemed to consistently be one step ahead of the slower Varmall throughout the eight-round fight.
The co-featured bout of evening matched two tough and game 122-pound opponents, each with only one loss, in Glen Dezurn and Joshua Greer.
Dezurn started the fight strong by aggressively walking Greer down and bullying him around the ring with his size and strong punch output.
However, Dezurn found it difficult keep up this fight style and the body shots of Greer began to take their toll, causing Dezurn to eventually fade in the middle rounds.
Dezurn showed incredible heart, fighting his way through several near knockout situations in the middle rounds.
However in Round 8, Greer’s power was just too much and Dezurn was sent to the canvas for the first time in his career.
After falling face down, Dezurn was able the answer the referee’s count, however he could not fight off the immediate follow up punches from Greer and the referee was forced to stop the fight.
The main event of the evening was all about the young prospect Devin Haney. Haney is regarded as one boxing’s future stars, and by taking on Menard he hoped to show that he is ready for higher level opponents.
Haney was able to stop the veteran opponent Menard before the start of Round 10 as his corner called a stop to the bout. Haney, being so young, seemed to possibly lack some raw power tonight, however, he easily made up for in speed, elusiveness, confidence and sheer talent. Looking at Haney fight, you can see that he just has it.
Haney’s pure skill level is apparent as he showed flashes of a young Floyd Mayweather Jr., Roy Jones Jr. and Andre Ward. His punches were sharp, his jab was perfection, his feet were swift and his defense was masterful.
Haney is still a young fighter, at only 19 years old, but the hype that surrounds his name certainly seems justified as he is without a doubt a highly skilled fighter. Haney will certainly be a prospect to keep an eye on as he continues his to work his way up the ranks of the Lightweight division.
All photos by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
