LOCAL LEATHER

Over the next month New Englanders have a chance to see three full fight cards, two of their best up and comers, and one title fight that could be a pretty good brawl. Seeing as how I am a true fan of the sport and try to recruit new fans as well as make other fans aware of fights in the area, I am going to tell all about the local leather flying over the next month.


Saturday March 14th
The National Guard Armory
70 Liberty Ave.
Dorchester,MA

I will be honest, I only know about one fighter on this card, Framingham's Danny O'Connor. You may remember Danny from his stint on Friday Night Fights a couple weeks ago or Danny's pro debut which was featured on NESN.com. Danny has been busy since he turned pro in September, going 4-0 with one knockout. He should have a crowd rooting for him Saturday, since he's close to home, and it could be a fun night to see him perform.

There are several other locals on the card and many are making their pro-debuts:

Dan Conway - pro debut
Super Middleweight
Dorchester, MA

Alexis Santos - pro debut
Cruiserweight
Lynn,MA

Eddie Caminero (5-0, 5ko)
Super Middleweight
Lawrence,MA

Mike Reyes - pro debut
Light Middleweight
Roslindale,MA

Derek Sylveria (1-0, 1ko)
Light Middleweight
Byfield,MA

Jimmy Leblanc (12-15, 4ko)
Welterweight
Boston,MA

I will be honest other than Danny and maybe Jimmy Leblanc,who I saw lose once, I don't know much about anyone on the card. I do know that it's a pile of local kids and if you can you should show them some love. You never know, one of these guys could be the next Mickey Ward.


Thursday March 19th
Mechanics Hall
321 Main St.
Worcester,MA

Another up and comer I have blogged about before will be lacing up the gloves in his home town Thursday night for his first fight with his new promoter. Worcester native Edwin Rodriquez(9-0, 6ko) just signed a contract with Lou Dibella (Dibella Entertainment) and looks to be ready to do some big things in the next couple years. Edwin has fought 9 times in the past year is facing his biggest test yet, Patrick Thompson(15-13, 5ko) who despite his record is a solid fighter. His 13 loses have come against solid competition like John Duddy, Joe Greene, Vanes Martirosyan, and Alfonso Gomez. Thompson has a sturdy chin and doesn't lose to soft competition, so Rodriquez should be in for a pretty good fight.

Other locals on the card:

Dustin Rinehold - pro debut
Welterweight
Providence,RI

Valar Boise - pro debut
Light Heavyweight
Providence,RI

Ryan Kielczewski (3-0, 0ko)
Lightweight
Quincy,MA

Of course don't hold me to this as all bouts are subject to change.


Saturday April 25th
Foxwoods MGM Grand
Ledyard, CT

Here is the grand daddy of all the cards within driving distance. Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch will be facing of for a the WBC Super Middleweight title at the brand new MGM Grand-Foxwoods casino. Jermain Taylor(28-2, 17ko) is coming off a near shutout performance against former Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy. Froch(24-0,19ko) has decided to come over to the United States for only the second time(he fought in Cali once in 2005) to defend the belt he won via Unanimous decision against Canada's Jean Pascal(21-1,14ko). Many who saw that fight believed to be in contention for fight of the year.(Me, I youtube'd it, it's a pretty good scrap). The fight between Taylor and Froch should be good one, both guys have something to prove, Froch is looking for his first exposure to an American audience, and Taylor needs let everyone know he can compete with the elite 168 pounders. Taylor has only two losses, both at the hands of Middleweight titlist Kelly Pavlick and Carl Froch hasn't lost yet in his career. No matter how you cut, this could be a fight you want to be at.

The only other fight announced for this card is also a good one. another Super Middleweight bout, Allen Green(27-1,19ko) taking on Carlos Deleon Jr.(21-2,14ko). From what I've been reading on the numerous boxing message boards I check daily,(I'm a boxing nerd, what can I say?!) it sounds as if Green needs to impress and then could land some bigger money fights. He is line to take on former gold medalist Andre Ward(18-0,12ko) or maybe even the winner of the Taylor-Froch fight.

These are the only two fights announced so far, but with a month left before the fight, I'm sure a pile of others will be added. Fight cards like these are usually filled out with local guys who can sell tickets, so I'm sure there will be a few locals you've heard of filling out the night. I will be sure to keep you up to date.

Well, there you have it, if you are feeling a bit frisky(please don't take that the wrong way) go check out a fight, and support your local boxing community. You might even catch the Bryguy there(that's me, by the way).