The backdrop: Bogere (20-0, 12 knockouts), a talented Ugandan amateur standout now coached by noted trainer Ken Adams in Las Vegas, survived the toughest test of his 3?-year career when he narrowly out-pointed gutsy veteran Raymundo Beltran in a ShoBox: The New Generation main event in May. More than a few observers thought Beltran deserved the nod after their entertaining 10-round scrap (which can be watched in its entirety at this link courtesy of Showtime). Beltran neutralized Bogere?s speed and athleticism with relentless pressure and roughhouse tactics during the infighting. However, the 22-year-old boxer-puncher, who is obviously still learning, mixed in enough boxing and lateral movement with his brawling to earn the decision. Bogere?s second consecutive ShoBox main event will be another, perhaps sterner, test. This time the smallish lightweight (he?s barely 5-foot-6) takes on Contreras (16-0, 13 KOs), a fellow undefeated prospect known for his punching power. The 27-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has been training with Robert Garcia at the noted young trainer?s gym in Oxnard, Calif., where he?s had the opportunity to spar quality rounds with WBA lightweight titleholder Brandon Rios. In other words, Bogere can expect Contreras to be ready for their main event. On the undercard, talented 21-year-old Houston native Jermell Charlo (15-0, 7 KOs) takes on capable Santa Barbra, Calif., resident Francisco Santana (12-2-1, 6 KOs). Charlo is coming off a six-round decision over journeyman Larry Smith in June. Santana is coming off a six-round draw with undefeated (6-0) Julian Williams in May. His two losses are to unbeaten Bay Area-prospect Karim Mayfield.
Also fighting: Jermell Charlo vs. Francisco Santana, eight rounds, junior middleweights
Rating the card: B+. Two talented lightweights — one gifted with speed, the other with power — putting their unblemished records on the line. This is what ShoBox is all about.
