Showtime Boxing: Prospects Kirkland, Bradley Win On ShoBox

ByBoxing Press

Two of boxing’s most talented prospects, James Kirkland and Timothy Bradley, kept their undefeated records in tact and took the next step toward word title shots with impressive victories Friday on “ShoBox: The New Generation.”

Kirkland (19-0, 16 KOs), the International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 13 junior middleweight contender, scored an early knockdown en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Ossie Duran (23-6-1, nine KOs).

In the co-feature from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez , Calif. , World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 5 contender Timothy Bradley (20-0, 11 KOs) recorded a dominating 10-round unanimous nod over Donald Camarena (18-4, nine KOs ). Showtime televised the Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, doubleheader at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Making his sixth start in 12 months and second consecutive “ShoBox” appearance, Kirkland , of Austin , Texas , sent Duran to the canvas early in the opening round with a punishing left hook. The 23-year-old then controlled his fourth straight Chumash outing with a relentless body attack. Two of the judges scored the contest 97-92, while the other had it 95-94.

“Duran was a tough guy and well prepared,” Kirkland said. “It was hard to adjust to his style. I tried to catch his jab, but he was tough. I am looking forward to stepping up my competition.”

Despite showing obvious signs of fatigue by the end of the fifth round, Duran, of Accra , Ghana , rallied the crowd to chant his name numerous times and express discontent toward the final decision by fighting through Kirkland ’s dominant left hook.

In his third “ShoBox” and Chumash appearances, Bradley, of Palm Springs , Calif. , outclassed his opponent from the outset and backed up Camarena through much of the contest. Losing just two rounds on the scorecards, Bradley nearly stopped Camarena by landing a series of unanswered punches against the ropes at the end of the sixth round. The judges scored it 100-90 and 99-91 twice.

“Camarena is like a thug and a street fighter,” Bradley said. “The punches went right through him. He is an excellent counter puncher and has a big heart. He tried to talk me out of my game, but I just stuck to my game plan and took it to him. I thought I hurt him a few times.”

Bradley also was quick to explain that he could box or take it to his counterpart.

“I showed everybody I could slug it out, dance around and box, and look pretty,” Bradley continued.

Camarena did nothing but praise the impressive Bradley.

“I knew he was tough,” Camarena said. “He was the better man tonight.”

Nick Charles and Steve Farhood called the action from ringside. The executive producer of “ShoBox” is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.

Friday’s bouts will re-air this week as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Saturday, June 2, at Midnight ET/PT SHOTOO

Monday, June 4, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Tuesday, June 5, at Midnight ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Thursday, June 7, at 11 p.m. ET/PT SHOTOO

The next “ShoBox” telecast will be on Friday, July 7, (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). In the main event from Montreal Canada, John Murray (21-0, 11 KOs) will take on Noel Rodriguez (13-1, five KOs ).

For more information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go to the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.