This weekend features cards
in four of our best Eastern and Midwestern fight towns. Atlantic City,
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown are all hosting fights in these next
two days.
Teon Kennedy Returns to Action on the
Boardwalk
Hard-hitting Teon Kennedy
will see his first action since March on Saturday night as he squares off
against Alejandro Lopez, 21-2 (7), at Bally’s in Atlantic City. Despite Lopez’s
impressive record, Kennedy, 17-0-1 (7), should have little problem remaining
undefeated and moving toward a title shot as early as late-2012.
Kennedy is facing serious
legal issues in Philadelphia after being arrested on May 30th for
his alleged role in a shooting. If Kennedy can put these issues behind him, he
is a legitimate title contender in the 122 pound division.
Also on the card are
Philadelphia lightweight prospect Karl Dargan, 9-0 (4), Cuban welterweight
Yordenis Ugas, 8-0 (4), and 9-0 (6) New Jersey light heavyweight Derrick
Webster.
Joey Eye Promotions Holds Fourth Card at
Harrah’s in Chester, PA
Joey Eye and David Feldman
will hold their fourth card of 2011 in the Philadelphia area as they return to
Harrah’s Casino in Chester, PA tonight with a solid card of local bouts.
Headlining the card is lightweight Victor Vasquez, 13-5-1 (7), a local fan
favorite. Although Vasquez will never be a nationally known fighter, he does
bring excitement to the ring and gives his fans their money’s worth, win or
lose.
Rounding out the card are
undefeated lightweight Angel Ocasio, light heavyweight Anthony Ferrante and
Delaware’s Joey Tiberi, who brings a young, enthusiastic crowd to these fights.
Rivers Casino in Steel City Features Monty
Meza Clay
Super featherweight Monty
Meza Clay, 30-3 (20), who has spent the past decade fighting in and around the
Pittsburgh area, headlines Saturday’s card at the Rivers Casino. Johnstown
native cruiserweight Andres Taylor, 18-1-2 (7), continues building his record
as faces New Mexico’s Mike Alderete, 7-5-2 (3). However, don’t be surprised if
Alderete gives Taylor a run for his money.
Jake Giuriceo and Miguel Gonzales Headline
Outdoor Fight Night in Youngstown
Despite last week’s
cancellation of the Kelly Pavlik “ShoBox” card, Youngstown fight fans didn’t
have to wait long for live boxing. This Saturday, Lights Out Promotions
presents a fight night under the stars at Bob Cene Park in nearby Struthers.
Undefeated lightweight prospect Jake Giuriceo, 12-0-1 (3), faces Ramesis Gil,
6-2-4 (5), in the main event; however, the co-feature provides a look at the
best prospect on the card. Cleveland’s Miguel Gonzales, 18-2 (14), has overcome
two early losses in his career to emerge as a legitimate prospect at 140
pounds. Saturday night, he’ll face Tyrone Harris, who has faced top quality
opposition during his 24-7 (16) career. This fight will serve as a great
measuring stick to gauge just where Gonzales is in his development.
Dannie Williams Hopes to
Make Statement on “Friday Night Fights”
Lightweight Dannie Williams’
team wasted no time in finding him a fight after his proposed Showtime bout
with Francisco Contreras fell through. Tonight on ESPN2, Williams faces Antonio
Cervantes (no relation to the Hall-of-Famer) in a very important bout in his
career. Williams has shown great skills and flashes of brilliance but has yet
to really put together a solid, complete performance.
Williams too easily abandons
his game plan of being patient and creating the opportunity to land his big
punches and starts forcing the action, getting involved in an inside brawl.
Trainer Jack Loew feels that when Williams harnesses his potential and matures
in the ring, he has championship talent.
Tonight, we’ll again see if
Williams can stay on his game plan or if he makes the same impatient mistakes
he has in the past. An impressive win can create a positive buzz for Williams
as 2012 approaches.
Gary Russell Jr. to Face
Jesus Rojas in HBO Debut
DC featherweight Gary
Russell Jr. confirmed to Maxboxing that he will make his HBO debut on the Jan Zaveck-Andre
Berto telecast September 3rd. Russell’s opponent is scheduled to be
Jesus Rojas, 18-1 (13). Rojas is a come-forward fighter with good power and an
exciting style. This is a great step up for Russell Jr. and if he can impress
in his HBO debut, expect the media attention to intensify and Russell to be
talked about as a future superstar.
Felix Diaz Adds Dominican Republican to “Chop
Chop” Corley Travels
My favorite “Have gloves,
will travel” fighter, DeMarcus Corley, will add the Dominican Republic to his
list of travels as is slated to face 2008 Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz on
October 1st. In losing seven of his last eight bouts, albeit against
some very quality opposition, the question begs to be asked: just how much more
punishment should the 37-year old former champion take?
Dusty Harrison Lands Fight on Golden Boy Card
17-year-old
DC welterweight Dusty Harrison, fresh from his split with Prize Fight
Promotions, has been reported to be on the Robert Guerrero-Marcos Maidana
undercard on August 27th. Sources tell Maxboxing that while Harrison
is not signed with Golden Boy Promotions, there is a good chance that is where
the young pro is headed.
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