Russian-born Georgi Kevlishvili (8-2, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will face unbeaten Casey “The Wizard” Ramos (13-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas., in the new co-feature this Friday, July 15, on the 10th anniversary telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (11:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).The 30-year-old Kevlishvili (pronounced kev-LISH-vuh-lee) stepped in after Joselito Collado withdrew from the eight-round junior lightweight bout late last week with the flu.
In the main event of a Top Rank-promoted event at Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas, undefeated local favorite and world-ranked southpaw, Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs), of Las Vegas, will defend his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior lightweight title against Alejandro “Alacran’’ Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs), of Salinas, Calif.
A long-time top amateur in Russia who turned pro at 27, Kevlishvili is a well-conditioned, versatile boxer with excellent movement and durability. At his best when he can set a busy pace and outwork you, Kevlishvili will be making his third start in the United States since relocating to Philadelphia and hooking up with manager Lev Prysler in April 2010.
Kevlishvili has been involved in close fights in each of his U.S. starts this year. In his stateside debut and initial outing in 15½ months, he won a six-round split decision over Anthony Flores last March 18 at Chester, Pa. Last May 20 in Costa Mesa, Calif., Kevlishvili dropped a close eight-round decision to Southern California prospect Ronny Rios (13-0 going in) in a good fight that featured a number of shifts in momentum. Kevlishvili cut Rios over the left eye, but fell short by the scores of 77-75 twice and 78-74.
The 5-foot-7 Kevlishvili turned pro in Russia on Dec. 13, 2007, and won his first seven fights.
