InterBox is proud to announce that undefeated IBF Intercontinental Light Welterweight champion Pier-Olivier Cote (18-0-0, 12 KO) will put his belt and perfect record on the line against IBF #6 World rated contender Mauricio Herrera (18-1-0, 7 KO’s) on Friday, February 3rd 2012 on the popular SHOWTIME series, ShoBox: The New Generation.
This Gala will be promoted by InterBox in association with Top Rank and Thompson Boxing Promotions at the newly renovated Pavillon de la Jeunesse Arena in beautiful Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The SHOWTIME televised co-feature bout(s) will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Main Supporting Bout from Pavillon de la Jeunesse Arena will feature undefeated welterweight blue chip prospect Mikael Zewski (12-0-0, 8 KO’s) from Trois Rivieres, Quebec. Zewski is promoted by Top Rank and managed by Cameron Dunkin, both of whom are already studying offers for opponents.
Cote, from Quebec, made quite an impression across the World last November 5th at the Pepsi Colisee in Quebec City where he fought in the main supporting bout on the Lucian Bute vs. Glen Johnson undercard. With SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING cameras rolling, Cote annihilated Jorge Luis Teron (25-3-1, 17 KO) in under 2 rounds, scoring a spectacular knockout in front of 16,000 delirious fans chanting his nickname “Apou, Apou” at the top of their lungs. Teron, a bloody mess, was barely able to get up after the KO. The performance helped Cote earn another opportunity on SHOWTIME, but this time in the Main Event.
“Teron was supposed to be Cote’s big test last November 5th. We chose him to get a better idea of where Cote stands in terms of progression. Let’s just say Cote passed with flying colors” states InterBox President Mr. Jean Bedard. “We were presented with 4 or 5 names from Gordon Hall that met the ShoBox standard and we pretty much picked the first one” continued Jean Bedard. “From what I am told Mauricio Herrera is a very well rounded boxer and will test Cote over the course of the bout. He’s ranked #6 in the World by the IBF so this is another big step up for Cote. We are looking forward to returning to Quebec City, where we are always so warmly received by the City, the people and the fans. We are also excited and proud that Showtime accepted our invitation to follow Apou” concludes Jean Bedard.
Fresh off his November 5th fight, Pier-Olivier Cote is already looking forward to training for the February 3rd fight. “This is fantastic news. I always keep myself in great shape so 8 weeks is a perfect camp. My coaches and I are already studying Herrera. My promoter InterBox wants me to fight more often and SHOWTIME is giving me another great opportunity. What more can an athlete ask for? This is a great early Christmas gift for me. No parties for me until after February 3rd. I will be celebrating the Holidays in the gym. I want to return better and stronger than ever before”.
Cote’s head trainer Francois Duguay is equally excited with the news. “Not only do we get to fight on SHOWTIME again, but this time as the Main Event on ShoBox. It doesn’t get any better than this. I am looking forward to making sure Cote is in tip top shape for February 3rd as Mauricio Herrera is a very dangerous boxer with good speed and above average skill”.
MAURICIO HERRERA:
“I am thrilled to be back in a big fight and as the main event of ShoBox. I had a great 2011 beating tough challengers like Ruslan Provodnikov and Mike Dallas, more importantly I have shown that I can adjust to any style and make it hard for anybody inside the ring. My main goal in this fight against Cote is not only to make it rough, but also make him realize this is a real fight. I am not Jorge Luis Teron (Cote’s last opponent) or Aris Ambriz; I am the fighter that will give him the first loss of his career.”
ALEX CAMPONOVO, Matchmaker/General Manager for Thompson Boxing Promotions:
“This is the right fight for both guys. Cote is a terrific prospect and Herrera has matured and assimilated the role of a seasoned boxer. Their only difference lays in their experience inside the ring and that is where Mauricio has the upper hand. We are thrilled that a national audience and Quebec City will get to see a great match. They won’t be disappointed.”
