Showtime To Feature UK Prospects On September 10th
Hennessy sports have issued a press release announcing that two of their best up and coming fighters – John O’Donnell (24) and Tyson Fury (22)- are set to make their American television debuts on the September 10th edition of ShoBox: The New Generation.
LONDON (Aug 23rd, 2010) On Friday 10th September, York Hall, Bethnal Green will host an exciting night of international boxing when former unbeaten Commonwealth champion John O’Donnell (Shepherd’s Bush / Galway) makes his U.S. “ShoBox: The New Generation” debut and takes on his toughest opponent in the ring to date over 12 rounds, New Jersey’s (USA) 1996 Olympic bronze medallist Terrence “Heat” Cauthen.
The current English Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (Manchester/Galway) will also make his ShoBox debut as the co-feature against an international opponent over 10 rounds. (Details on Tyson’s opponent will be announced shortly)
The O’Donnell and Fury bouts will be televised in America on SHOWTIME at 11p.m. ET/PT (same day delay). The event will also be shown in Canada on the Super Channel Network and the UK Broadcaster will be announced soon.
O’Donnell is a light welter with a 23-1 record. Fury is a huge heavyweight, who is undefeated in eleven outings as a pro. Both are British based fighters of Irish descent.
This is a really positive move. The British domestic scene is producing a constant stream of good fighters. It’s great to see these guys getting a head start when it comes to being introduced to the American audience.
Most of the top British stars like Hatton, Khan, Froch, and Haye only started to get US TV exposure after they were already world champions. Having a few televised showcases before they get to that level will go a long way in terms of creating a buzz about them, so that when the big fights do come, people are ready for them.
Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come and Showtime will continue to get behind these guys.
