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Taras Shelestyuk to headline ‘ShoBox’ on Nov. 4

Photo credit: Luke Massy
Fighters Network
14
Oct

Having fought in televised co-features early in his pro career, unbeaten welterweight Taras Shelestyuk understood the time would come when he would eventually be the headliner.

That time has finally arrived, while also being the final “ShoBox” broadcast of 2016.

Shelestyuk will face Jaime Herrera on Nov. 4, Thompson Boxing Promotions General Manager and Matchmaker Alex Camponovo confirmed to RingTV.

The 10-round bout will take place at Omega Products International in Corona, California, headlining a three-fight broadcast, beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT.



After a stellar amateur career that culminated in winning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics for Ukraine, Shelestyuk was signed to a promotional deal with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Shelestyuk (14-0, nine knockouts) has built an unbeaten record while facing modest opposition as a pro.

In his last bout on May 20, Shelestyuk stopped Erick Martinez after the third round in Ontario, California.

He faces a stern test in Herrera on Nov. 4. Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs), who resides in the Chicago suburbs, is unbeaten in his last four bouts, since being knocked out in the second round by welterweight prospect Egidijus Kavaliauskas in December of 2014.

“Herrera is a rough fighter but it doesn’t matter to me because I am looking to step up and get into championship-level fights,” said the 30-year-old Shelestyuk.

Understanding his opponent is the house fighter and prohibitive favorite in the fight, Herrera is undaunted at what lies in front of him on Nov. 4.

“Taras is a great fighter and I know I’m the underdog,” said Herrera. “I’ve surprised some fighters before and I’m confident and ready to give it my best and win again.”

“I’m coming into this fight with the same mentality I had in those fights against the other unbeaten guys. The way I see it, Taras has everything to lose and I fight as I have nothing to lose.”

Herrera does have wins over Michael Finney, Javier Flores (both of whom were unbeaten when they faced Herrera) and Mike Jones.

In a 10-round cruiserweight bout, Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 3 KOs) will fave Stivens Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs).

Bejenaru won an eight-round decision over Alexey Zubov on April 15, while Bujaj stopped Sergio Ramirez in one round on June 11.

Opening the ShoBox broadcast will be a 10-round lightweight bout between Vitor Jones Freitas (13-0, 7 KOs) and Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs).

Freitas is the nephew of two-time world titleholder Acelino Frietas. Mendez has not lost since losing his pro debut six years ago.

 
Francisco A. Salazar has written for RingTV since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper, BoxingScene.com and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing.

 

 

 

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