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03/20/2004 Archived Entry: "ShowBox Returns April 1st"
ShowBox Returns April 1st
From York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, England
NEW YORK, NY - “ShoBox: The New Generation” will return to York Hall, Bethnal Green, in London, England, for the third time as World Boxing Union (WBU) International Welterweight Champion Michael Jennings defends his crown against British Southern Area Welterweight Champion Brett James Thursday, April 1, on SHOWTIME. In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated Martin Power will take on former English bantamweight titleholder Jamie Yelland for the vacant British Southern Area Bantamweight Championship. SHOWTIME will televise the Frank Warren’s Sports Network doubleheader live at 11 p.m. ET/PT*. The telecast represents the 40th in the popular “ShoBox” series, which debuted on SHOWTIME in July 2001.
Jennings (21-0, 8 KOs), of Preston, England, captured the WBU International welterweight title by scoring a sixth-round TKO over Jimmy Gould on May 8, 2003, from Widnes, England. In his lone defense more than four months later, the smooth boxer-puncher registered a fourth-round TKO over Sammy Smith on Sept. 27, 2003, from Manchester, England. Jennings, who has floored five out of his past six opponents, turned pro at age 21 on May 15, 1999. In his last outing on Dec. 13, 2003, Jennings, who compiled a 52-5 amateur record, registered a six-round, non-title victory over Peter Dunn in Manchester.
James (14-1-2, 1 KO), of London, England, floored Smith in the second round en route to winning the vacant British Southern Area welterweight crown with a 10-round decision on Aug. 1, 2003. Less than four months later on Nov. 18, 2003, James successfully defended his title by tallying a 10-round decision over Ian Eldridge. A slick boxer with an unorthodox style, James did not lace on the gloves for the initial time until he was 19. In his pro debut, the 24 year old registered a four-round decision over Richard Inquieti on Feb. 20, 2004. Outside of the ring, James is an aspiring male model.
Power (12-0, 5 KOs), of London, England, will make his 10-round and pro title debuts. The undefeated bantamweight contender, who will fight for the sixth time at York Hall, has stopped five opponents inside of four rounds. Managed by Frank Maloney, Power scored a second-round TKO over Delroy Spencer to open the 2004 campaign on Jan. 24 from Wembley, England.
Yelland (8-4-1, 2 KOs), of London, England, went unbeaten in his initial six starts (5-0-1) after turning pro at age 25 on March 11, 2000. In his 10th contest, Yelland captured the English bantamweight championship with a 10-round decision over Gareth Payne on Oct. 10, 2002, from Stoke, England. More than six months later on April 28, 2003, Yelland dropped a 12-round decision to Nicky Booth for the British bantamweight crown. The 29-year-old London native hopes to get back on the winning track following a six-round loss to Danny Wallace on Jan. 31, 2004, from York Hall.
“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
