Gary Shaw Productions, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions, will once again bring an electrifying night of professional boxing to the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 21, when undefeated Colombian sensation, Jhonatan Romero (21-0, 12 KOs) and Carson, California native, Efrain Esquivias (16-1, 9 KOs), clash in the 10-round super bantamweight main event on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Romero first burst onto the scene when he defeated Chris Avalos (20-2, 15 KOs), by way of split decision, a fight many thought could have gone either way. He’s got another stiff test ahead of him in Esquivias, and he’s ready for the challenge.
“I’m thankful to my promoters, Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing, and SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity to fight on national TV once again,” Romero said. “I come to fight every time I step in the ring and this fight will be no different. Esquivias is a worthy opponent, but I’m determined to remain undefeated and march up the rankings. My goal is to win this bout and put myself in position to fight for a world title in the near future.”
Esquivias is looking to rebound from his first professional loss, a majority decision to Rico Ramos (20-1, 11 KOs). He’s looking to make a statement against Romero.
“I’ve had time to reflect on my first loss and I know I can bounce back,” Esquivias said. “A win against Romero will put me back on track. I learned a lot about myself after the Ramos fight and this time I’m going to come out on top.”
In the eight-round ShoBox co-feature, promising super bantamweights Roman Morales (11-0, 6 KOs) and Jonathan Arrellano (13-0-1, 3 KOs) put their undefeated records on the line as they battle for the WBC Latino title.
“I’m ready to take on the challenge of fighting another undefeated fighter,” Morales stated. “At this level the cream rises to the top. I feel I have the skills to beat anyone in my division, including Arrellano.”
“This is my time to shine,” Arrellano said. “Right now I’m feeling great and training camp has been fantastic. After I beat Morales, bigger fights will come.”
Others boxers scheduled to fight on Sept. 21 include undefeated lightweight prospect, Alejandro Luna (10-0, 8 KOs). Luna has been on a recent terror, knocking out his last two opponents in dramatic fashion. Luna will try to keep his march through the ranks going against Pipino Cuevas Jr. (16-8, 14 KOs).
Popular local favorite Francisco Santana (13-3-1, 6 KOs) will make his return to the Chumash Casino, a venue he calls his home. He’ll fight for the Central Coast Super Welterweight Title against John Worthy (3-3, 1 KO).
In another non-televised bout, Mexico’s Jesus Hernandez (10-0-2, 2 KOs) will take on Edwin Solis (3-2, 3 KOs) in a 6-round featherweight bout.
Super bantamweight prospect, Raul Lopez (7-1-1, 3 KOs), a decorated amateur from the Bronx, N.Y., will also box on the card.
