Showing posts with label KEA Boxing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KEA Boxing. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Yusaf "Mack Attack" Mack to face Cory Cummings this weekend!

KEA
KEA Boxing
Boxing
Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing Promotions team is set to bring another night of boxing action to the famous Schuetzen Park on Saturday night in North Bergen, New Jersey with an action packed show featuring the return of Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack (31-7-2, 17 KOs) in a six round light heavyweight battle against the hard hitting Cory “Black Ice” Cummings (17-7, 13 KOs). In the co-feature of the card titled “Boxing at the Park III,” welterweight prospect Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez, Jr (11-1, 5 KOs) looks to bounce back from his first loss as a professional, when he takes on undefeated Philadelphian Greg Jackson (3-0, 1 KO) in a six round clash.

It will be a day of reckoning of sorts for former world title challenger Yusaf Mack as he faces a pivotal point in his career when he faces dangerous veteran Cory “Black Ice Cummings next Saturday night at Schuetzen Park. Recently signed with KEA Boxing, the thirty-four year old Mack knows his time is now if he is going to make a run back at a world title. In his last two fights against contenders, Thomas Williams, Jr and Cedric Agnew, Mack showed flashes, but seemed to tire as the rounds progressed, which resulted in two hard fought unanimous decision losses.

“We see the potential in Mack and believe he can once again be right back fighting for a world title,” said Andre Kut. “KEA Boxing wants to give him the best opportunity to make his world title ambitions become a reality.”

Standing in his way on Saturday night is Corey ‘Black Ice” Cummings, who can provide explosive power as witnessed by thirteen knockouts in his seventeen victories. A victory over Mack would put him back in line for even bigger paydays if he pulls off the upset.




(Photo by: Ray Bailey)In the co-feature of the evening, formerly undefeated welterweight Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez, Jr. looks to bounce back from his first loss of his career against present USBA welterweight title holder Sammy “The who can Mexican,” Vasquez when he takes on undefeated Greg Jackson (3-0-1) in a six round contest that is sure to provide plenty of action.



(Photo by Chris Toney)
 KEA boxing has once again put together an interesting undercard featuring some of the most exciting fighters in the region in competitively matched fights.

Undefeated heavyweight Tyrell Wright (6-0, 4KOs) of Jersey City, New Jersey puts his perfect record on the line when he faces the more experienced New Yorker, John Bolden (6-9, 5KOs) in a six round contest.

Rounding out the six round contests will be a crossroads cruiserweight battle as Paterson, New Jersey’s Elvin “KoKo” Sanchez (6-3-1, 5KOs) swaps punches with Johnson City, Tennessee’s Brad Austin (10-13, 7KOs) .

In a special female attraction, Connie Viruet (1-0, 1KO) of Hoboken, New Jersey and Yonkers New York’s Bertha Aricil (1-0, 1KO) put their undefeated records and perfect knockout streaks on the line in what is sure to be an explosive four round junior middleweight war.

Someone’s “0” must go as undefeated welterweights duke it out when Queens, New York’s Alex Serna (1-0,1KO) takes on interstate rival Marlon Brown of Staten Island, New York

Rounding out the card, will be a four round lightweight contest as Andrew “Sweat Pea” Bentley (1-2) looks to get back to the five hundred mark when he battles it out with Cincinnati, Ohio’s Micah Branch (2-10-1).

Ticket prices are as follows:
Stage-$100
VIP Ringside-$100
Preferred seating-$75
Reserved seating-$50
General Admission-$40

Tickets can be purchased online at www.kea-boxing.com or by calling (973) 903-2907 or (973) 222-2273.

Doors open at 6:30PM.

First fight 7:30PM

Friday, September 12, 2014

Yusaf Mack & Juan Rodriguez to Headline NJ Show in October!

KEA
KEA Boxing
Boxing



Former light heavyweight contender Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack (31-7) fighting out of Philadelphia will headline the KEA Boxing Promotion’s "Fight Night at the Park III" event that will take place onSaturday, October 25th at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, NJ. Mack is coming off a short layoff with hopes to return back to the rankings where he was recently fighting for the IBF Title against Carl Froch just a short time ago.

Andre Kut, President of KEA Boxing Promotions has promised to deliver yet again another action packed card with 8 +  professional bouts to New Jersey boxing fans. Kut says fans will get the opportunity to see world class boxers, rising prospects, and the local favorites, up close and in a safe environment. With no bad seat in the house he is providing an evening “Featuring the Next Generation of Champions” as his company motto says. This will be Kut’s 10th year of promoting shows in the tri state area.

The card will also feature rising welterweight prospect Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez (11-1) of Union City, NJ who also is looking to make his comeback after coming off a recent loss on Shobox to Sammy Vasquez. Along with Rodriguez, Kut has slated 8 other professional bouts for the evening with more details to follow! For information and tickets visit 
www.keaboxing.com or call (973) 903-2907.


Above Photo by: Ray Bailey

Above photo by: Chris Toney

Monday, May 26, 2014

Perez to Wage War with Wiggins on Saturday in Whippany, NJ!


Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing Promotions is set to bring boxing back to the luxurious Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey with an action packed nine bout card. Headlining the show, will be a six round welterweight contest, as former NABF title challenger Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez (17-1, 9Ko’s) looks to put his name back in the welterweight elite, when he swaps punches with Jeremiah Wiggins (10-2-1, 5Ko’s).

Alex Perez made a name for himself all along the northeast corridor in winning his first fifteen bouts as a professional, including a one sided ten round unanimous decision victory over former NABF junior welterweight title holder Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa.

This set him up for a NABF title shot against Antonin Decarie. Perez fell short on that night against the former WBA welterweight title challenger, losing by seventh round stoppage.

Alex Perez appropriately nicknamed “The Brick City Bullet” refocused himself and was determined to get back into the boxing scene. While many would have chosen an easy comeback fight, Perez raised the stakes took on former New York light welterweight champion and fellow southpaw Kenny Abril, who was coming off a split decision victory over present WBC Asian Boxing Council champion Dennis Laurente. Perez had a few rough moments in the early going against the hard slugging Abril, but his superior boxing skills allowed him to capture a solid and impressive eight round unanimous decision victory.

Now he must take the next toward his championship hopes when he faces upset minded Jeremiah Wiggins (10-2-1, 5Ko’s) in the six round main event on Saturday night. Wiggins enters the ring on a two fight losing streak, but both losses have come from top flight talent in Julian Williams (16-0-1, 10Ko’s) and Daquan Arnett (11-1, 7Ko’s).

Hard hitting heavyweight prospect Tyrell Wright (5-0, 4Ko’s) looks for his fifth straight stoppage as a professional in the six round co-feature of the evening against an opponent to be determined.
KEA Boxing Promotions has put together several competitive four round contests to fill out the show featuring some of the growing talent in the northeast.

 Tough as nails heavyweight Joey Cusumano (6-1, 4Ko’s) looks for his seventh victory as a pro when he swaps punches with Excell Holmes (2-3-1, 1KO).

In a special women’s contest, popular New Jersey junior middleweight Connie Viruet makes her pro debut against Lyneisha Jefferson (0-2) of Boston, Massachusetts.

Undefeated welterweight, Anthony “Sweet Tooth” Jones (4-0-1, 1Ko) of Newark, New Jersey is set to tangle with Eloy, Arizona’s Gustavo Medina (1-5-1).

Explosive welterweight Bobby Gunn, Jr (2-0, 2Ko’s) of Hackensack, New Jersey looks to keep his perfect knockout streak intact, when he battles it out with debuting Dominic Del Campo of Dover, Delaware.
Heavy handed welterweight Wesley “King Wes” Tucker (2-0, 2Ko’s) of Toledo, Ohio, makes his Jersey debut when he dukes it out with Danville, Virginia’s Tevin Reynolds (0-1).

Somebody’s “0” must go, as lightweights Dwayne Holman Jr, (0-1) and Richard Bonds (0-1) tangle in the squared circle, looking for their first win as professionals.

Rounding out the card will be a battle of debuting junior welterweights, as New Jersey’s own, Alex Serna takes on Brooklyn, New York’s Anton Williamson.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at:
 
$100 VIP
$75 ringside
$55 reserved
$40 General Admission

Tickets can be purchased on PayPal at www.keaboxing.com or by calling 973-903-2907or 973-222-2273
Doors open: 6:30 PM
First fight: 7:30 PM
*Bouts Subject to Change*

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Bobby Gunn Jr. Excited for Garden State Debut!


 
 
Hackensack, NJ (May 23, 2014) – 18-year-old prospect Bobby Gunn Jr. spent most of his life in and around theGarden State’s boxing scene. Between preparing for his bouts, mimicking his father in the gym as a youngster and appearing ringside at countless fights, Gunn Jr’s a familiar local face. Interestingly enough, he’s never fought in New Jersey as a pro or amateur.
 
At 2-0 with 2 first round knockouts, both of Gunn Jr’s bouts took place four hours away in Annandale, VA. On May 31, he’ll box for the first time in his home state when he battles debuting Ricardo Decampio at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. Like his father whom he shares a name with, Gunn Jr. is known locally and expects a number of his supporters to the Birchwood Manor.
 
“This is my real homecoming. I never fought here before, even as an amateur. I’m hoping for a big crowd and am excited for May 31. This is the biggest fight of my pro or amateur career.”
 
The card is promoted by KEA Boxing and tickets are available by going to http://www.kea-boxing.com/event20140531.php

Monday, May 12, 2014

KEA Boxing Promotions Signs Yusaf "Mack Attack" to an Exclusive Promotional Contract!


KEA Boxing Promotions is proud to announce the signing of light heavyweight veteran Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack (31-7, 17 KO’s) of Philadelphia to an exclusive promotional contract. “Mack is a veteran and seasoned warrior in the sport and we are excited to have him part of the KEA team. He defended his USBA title against Omar Sheika on one of our shows and we saw his potential. We believe he still has something to prove to the boxing world, and hope to have him back in the rankings by the end of 2014.” Says Andre Kut-President of KEA Boxing Promotions.

“I am looking for nothing but wins and even a shot at a world title again this year. I feel real good about signing with KEA Boxing Promotions and feel like I have good folks backing me now.” says Mack.

Yusaf Mack is a light heavyweight fighting out of Philadelphia. He is currently 31-7 with 17 knockouts. He has was the former USBA and NABF Champion in two separate divisions and fought for the IBF title not once but twice in two separate divisions. Some notable fights for Mack are against Omar Sheika, Carl Froch, Cedric Agnew, and Glen Johnson. Mack was also once ranked in the top ten by Ring Magazine in the light heavyweight division. KEA Boxing will be announcing Mack’s next bout shortly.

For more information, please visit www.keaboxing.com or contact KEA Boxing at (973) 903-2907or (973) 222-2273.



 


 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

KEA Boxing is back at The Birchwood Manor!


Boxing returns to The Birchwood Manor on Saturday, May 31st in Whippany, NJ.

KEA Boxing Promotions will be making a return to its roots in Whippany, NJ at the Elegant Birchwood Manor on Saturday May 31st with a professional boxing card that is loaded with talented veterans and prospects. The Main Event of the evening will feature Alex “Brick City Bullet” Perez (17-1) of Newark, NJ and the co feature will be Jason “Monstruo” Escalera (13-2) of Union City, NJ. Always a crowd favorite, heavyweights, Tyrell Wright (5-0) of Jersey City, NJ  and Joe Cusumano (6-1) out of Philadelphia, PA. will compete in separate bouts.

Several young guns looking to make their presence known in the area are Anthony Jones (5-0) of Newark, NJ, Dwayne Holman (0-1) of Montclair, NJ and the son of legendary boxers Bobby Gunn, Bobby Gunn Jr. (2-0) of Hackensack, NJ will also be featured on the card. Lastly for the ladies in the crowd we have a talented young female attraction; Connie Viruet of Hoboken, NJ will have her professional debut. The line up for a local show like in this is great because you can see and feel the action up close in an intimate atmosphere of the elegant Birchwood Manor in Whippany, N.J.

Ticket prices are $100 for VIP seating, $75 for Ringside, $55 for Reserved, and $40 for General Admission. The show starts at 7:30pm and the doors open at 6:30pm. The address for The Birchwood Manor is 111 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, N.J. 07981. In between rounds we will have DJ’s spinning today’s hottest music: DJ Edit and DJ EQ along with the lovely ladies of Round Card Models to keep you entertained in between rounds and bouts. There is also a full bar along with snacks. If you like Boxing, you will enjoy this show in a safe environment at an elegant venue. For information and tickets, please visitwww.keaboxing.com or call (973) 973-903-2907/(973) 222-2273. 

 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Juan "The Beast" Rodriguez to fight on Showtime Friday April 18th!

KEA
KEA Boxing
Boxing
Written by: Ryan Songalia

For many professional boxers, the day begins at 5:00 a.m. with a pre-dawn run to get the metabolism working and shed off the excess pounds. For Juan Rodriguez Jr., the day begins an hour earlier.

That’s when the unbeaten welterweight from Union City, N.J., clocks in at his day job – loading and unloading trucks for a company affiliated with Home Depot. The work is physically taxing and lasts until 12:30 p.m., at which time Rodriguez goes home and changes into his running gear to do 8-to-10 miles.

After a short nap, Rodriguez heads over to the Union City Boxing Club at 5:00 p.m. to train with dreams of making it big in professional boxing running through his mind.
It’s the time of life that Rodriguez (11-0, 5 knockouts) and other fighters who aren’t signed to major contracts have to live in search of boxing glory. But with five children and a wife to support, it’s part of the sacrifice that he makes every day to provide.

“It’s just daily life struggles. I was a full-time boxer before, I never had to work and it always put the pressure on my wife,” said Rodriguez, 27. “She had to work and worry about all the bills. Everything caught up so I had to get a job, started working. Working, boxing, had to figure out the timing.

“But this makes me want it more, more determined to be where I need to be in this boxing game.”

It has been nearly a year to the day since Rodriguez had been in the ring, but he’ll finally get his make-or-break opportunity when he faces Samuel Vasquez (13-0, 9 KOs) this Friday, April 18 at the Convention Center in the Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville, Pa. The fight, scheduled for eight rounds, will be a part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, and it's Rodriguez’s first time fighting on television. The card is promoted by Iron Mike Productions.

“I’m pumped, it’s an opportunity to get exposure, let the world see my talent,” said Rodriguez.

It’s the kind of opportunity that Rodriguez couldn’t have foreseen himself receiving a decade ago, when he was a juvenile delinquent in and out of correction facilities for stealing cars and street fighting.

Under the tutelage of police sergeant and boxing trainer Joe Botti, Rodriguez got his head on straight, leading to a 2009 New Jersey Golden Gloves title after a 56-6 amateur career. Rodriguez turned pro in 2009 but fought just once in 2013 and hasn’t fought since then.

Vasquez, 28, of Monessen, Pa., also has a solid amateur background. While enlisted in the Army, Vasquez won All-Army and All-Armed Forces championships in between two stints in Iraq. Vasquez has fought 13 times since turning pro two years ago, and twice this year already. In his last fight in February Vasquez knocked out 7-0 Berlin Abreu in four rounds,

“I heard he jumps in a lot, he still has an amateur style, but I’m not sure,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve really not watched any video or nothing on him. I heard he comes out fast but not too sure.

“I really don’t know much. I don’t know anything about any of my opponents, I let my manager and trainer handle that. I just prepare myself for the fight.”

Alex Kut, who promotes Rodriguez under KEA Promotions, says that they received a call from matchmaker Chris Middendorf about Vasquez, and after doing some research they accepted the fight.

Kut believes that his guy will have the edge in this battle of southpaws.

“[Rodriguez] actually boxes and does not want to just look for a KO. If the KO happens, it happens, like when he fought [Daniel] Crabtree in Atlantic City. But he sticks to the basics and that will really pay off in this eight round fight,” said Kut.

Rodriguez has taken a week off from work for this fight. If Rodriguez shines brightly enough, perhaps he can get enough big offers to leave the 4:00 a.m.-12-noon shift behind for good.

“It pushes me to my max because now I know I have to go in there and do more than I have to do already because I’m going into his territory, he’s the favorite already,” said Rodriguez. “I have to go take what’s mine.”

For more information on Juan "The Beast" Rodriguez visit www.keaboxing.com

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

KEA BOXING is back in North Jersey on Saturday July 27th!


Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing Promotions returns to Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, New Jersey with a blockbuster night of boxing, featuring undefeated welterweight sensation, Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez Jr. (11-0, 5Ko’s) of nearby Union City, New Jersey in a six round welterweight contest. The twenty-five year old Rodriquez has quickly become a crowd favorite with his give and take style. Appropriately nicknamed “The Beast,” Rodriquez, Jr. has entertained his fans with explosive knockouts and dominant performances, as he runs roughshod up the welterweight ladder.

 

Rodriquez, Jr. headlined the original “Fight Night at the Park,” battering upset minded Emmanuel Medina over four rounds, before forcing him to retire in the corner. Now, Rodriquez looks to take on all comers and it starts on Saturday night, July 27th against undefeated welterweight Zack Ramsey who is 4-0.

Irish eyes will be smiling as “Paddy Boy” Patrick Farrell (8-2-1, 4Ko’s) looks to return to the winning side of the ledger, when he swaps punches with Phillip Triantafillo (2-3, 1KO) in a six round heavyweight clash. Farrell had been a three fight winning streak before losing a razor thin split decision to fellow prospect John “The Breed” Lennox (12-2, 5Ko’s). Farrell, knows a win over Triantafillo is essential if he’s is to continue his dream of becoming a champion inside the ring.

Mine Hill, New Jersey’s popular junior middleweight sensation, Anthony Gangemi (4-0, 3Ko’s) looks to remain perfect, when he faces Anthony McKinney in a six round tilt.

If that weren’t enough, Andre Kut has added a special women’s world title fight as “Dha Phenomenal” Nydia Feliciano (6-4-3) of the Bronx, New York battles it out over ten rounds with Las Vegas, Nevada’s Crystal Hoy (5-5-3, 2Ko’s) for the vacant WIBA world bantamweight championship.

Also set for the card is an evenly matched six round cruiserweight contest as Queen’s, New York’s Ahmed “The Egyptian Magician” Samir (11-1, 4Ko’s) battles it out with the heavy handed Elvin “Koko” Sanchez (6-2, 5Ko’s).

In other bouts:

Undefeated Jersey City, New Jersey heavyweight Tyrell Wright (2-0, 1Ko) looks for his third victory as a professional, when he faces an opponent to be determined.

Rugged Philly female lightweight Elizabeth Sherman (4-3, 2Ko’s) looks to bounce back from her loss to world title challenger Nydia Feliciano when she squares off against Albany, New York’s Jennifer Woodward in a four round contest.

Undefeated Newark, New Jersey middleweight, Anthony “Sweet Tooth” Jones (3-0-1) takes on Adrien Armstrong in a 4 round bout.

New Jersey’s own, Dwayne Holman Jr. makes his debut against another Pro Debut fighter Robert Jones, in a four junior welterweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at:

$100 Ringside, $75 preferred reserved, $65 reserved, and $55 General Admission

Tickets can be purchased on PayPal at www.KEABOXING.com or by calling 973-903-2907.

Doors open: 6:30 PM
 
First fight: 7:30 PM

KEA Boxing Promotions



Friday, April 12, 2013

Rodriguez & Perez top April 13th KEA Boxing Show!


Andre Kut’s KEA Boxing Promotions in association with Global Boxing Promotions have an attractive card lined up for April 13th at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen, New Jersey. The show features the return of undefeated welterweight sensation Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez (10-0, 4KOs) as he faces hard hitting Emmanuel Medina (3-3-1, 3KOs) in a spirited six round contest. The co-main highlights the return of “The Brick City Bullet” Alex Perez (16-1, 9KOs) of Newark New Jersey, who looks to bounce back from the first loss of his career when he swaps punches over six rounds with the always dangerous Kenny Abril (14-5-1, 7KOs).

KEA Boxing’s own Juan Rodriguez has become a crowd pleaser because of his aggressive style, which has produced action packed fights throughout his career. Recently Rodriguez scored an impressive knockout of Daniel Crabtree that had him out before he hit the canvas. Now Rodriguez knows it is time to step it up and promises those in attendance that they will be impressed. “On Saturday night you will see the new and improved Juan Rodriguez,” said the Union City, New Jersey native. I had developed some bad habits in the ring, but I have had my best camp so far and worked out all of the bad habits. I am now ready for anybody that my Promoter KEA Boxing puts in front of me and it all begins on Saturday.”

His opponent Emmanuel Medina (3-3-1, 3KOs) of Quincy, Massachusetts has scored a knockout in all three of his victories and owns a draw against David Curiel on the last KEA Boxing card at the Mount Airy Casino and Resort in Mount Pocono, PA. Will Rodriquez continue on his path toward his world title aspirations? Or will the heavy hands of Medina pull off the upset?

The other co-main event of the evening features the comeback of former CABOFE champion Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez (16-1, 9KOs) of nearby Newark, New Jersey as he tries to rebound from his unsuccessful bid for the NABF title in an eight round welterweight contest against the always dangerous Kenny Abril (14-5-1, 7KOs).

The card will have Polish pride on the line as two rising former Polish national amateur champions look to keep their undefeated professional records intact as Patryk Szymanski (6-0, 2KOs) and Michal Chudecki (5-0, 3KOs) appear in separate six round contests. Patryk Szymanski will have to battle another undefeated welterweight prospect in David “The Riot” Roman Curiel (3-0-1, 1Ko) of Paterson, New Jersey. The always exciting Michal Chudecki will square off against ten fight veteran Christian Steele (3-5-2, 1Ko) of Staunton, Virginia in a six round scrap.

Local junior middleweight and crowd favorite, Anthony Cangemi (2-0, 2KOs) looks to keep his perfect knockout streak intact when he battles it out over four rounds with Cedar Springs, Michigan’s Joe Vincent (0-1).

If heavyweights are your bag of choice, then you won’t want to miss Joey Cusumano (6-1, 4KOs) of Virginia Beach, Virginia as he tries to hand Roseville, Michigan’s Jeffrey Kugel (2-0) his first loss as a professional.

Andre Kut has pulled out all the stops and even added a special four round women’s super featherweight attraction as Philly slugger Elizabeth Sherman (4-2, 2KOs) squares off against the Bronx, New York’s Nydia “Dha Phenomenal” Feliciano (5-4-3) in what could be the fight of the night.
Tickets are $55, $65, $75 and $100 and can be purchases on www.keaboxing.com

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Philly Fight of the Year Awarded to KEA Boxing Fighter!

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KEA Boxing
Boxing


On July 29, 2011, the Asylum Arena was once again the site of the best Philly fight of the year. The fight, a welterweight 6-rounder between an undefeated visitor and a struggling local club fighter, had an unlikely transformation from scheduled preliminary bout to sudden main event, and now the "2011 Philly Fight of the Year".

 

Juan Rodriguez vs. Greg Hackett wasn't supposed to be the main event that night. However, it became exactly that when a troubled KEA Boxing card saw one scheduled main event after another fall out. The last one happened just 24 hours before fight night. So Rodriguez vs. Hackett was elevated to main event status in a desperate move to salvage the collapsing card.

The fighters took the sudden spotlight in stride and went on to fight a memorable battle before a sparse South Philly crowd. Hackett brought the fight to Rodriguez all night, landing a number of hard punches that threatened to turn the fight in his favor. However, each time Hackett fought his way to the brink of something, Rodriguez managed to use his superior boxing skills and some very effective cool under pressure to stay in control and keep the fight going his way.

Both boxers fought hard for all six rounds and filled the fight with dramatic, fast paced, back and forth action. After the fight was over, no one could even remember those other fights that were supposed to be the main event that night.

Rodriguez earned the unanimous decision. Although a few felt the bout should have been declared a draw, everyone agreed that a rematch should happen as soon as possible. From the instant the final bell sounded, the fight was considered a leading candidate for "fight of the year" honors.

Other Philly fights came along throughout 2011, but like a tough old club fighter, this one hung in there, stayed on its feet, and made it to the final bell. Against all odds, this little fight will be remembered as the best fight in Philadelphia of 2011.
 
It must be noted that 2011 was a tough year for boxingin Philadelphia. Only seven boxing cards were staged in the City over the 12 months of the year. Of the 46 total bouts on the cards that happened here, just two 10-rounders and two 8-rounders were scheduled, but none of them were "fight of the year" type fights. The rest of the ring action came in the form of 6 and 4 round bouts. Of these, Rodriguez-Hackett was clearly the best, even though it was a sleeper.

There were many other good fights - and some very important ones - involving Philly fighters in 2011, but all of them occurred outside Philadelphia - in nearby Atlantic City, Chester, PA, or other suburban locations. As good as these fights may have been, a fight must take place in Philly to win the Briscoe Award for fight of the year.

The fight of the year was promoted by Andre Kut of KEA Boxing.

Both Juan Rodriguez and Greg Hackett will be presented with Briscoe Awards on October 07, 2012 at the Veteran Boxers Association Club in Philadelphia.

Written by: John Disanto of Philly Boxing History