Greetings!
To our loyal fans:
That feeling of anticipation, that pit in your stomach, that extra bounce in your step, it's all part of what hardcore boxing fans call fight week. We're just three days away from the most highly-anticipated event of the year in New England and we can hardly contain our excitement here at Team CES.
We've talked about this card and what it has to offer from top to bottom. We've heard from Providence native, U.S. Olympian and former world champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade, who plans on stating his case as the No. 1 junior welterweight in the world. We've heard from Philadelphia's "Hammerin'" Hank Lundy, who not only plans on winning a world title at 135 pounds, but plans on taking over the 140-pound division as well. We also checked in with undefeated prospect Khiary "Too Sharp" Gray from Worcester, Mass., who looks to make it 10-0 Saturday night.
There are many reasons to make sure you're in attendance this weekend at Mohegan Sun Arena, but perhaps the most important fact we've failed to mention is its historical significance. I've watched Demetrius fight since he was a kid in the gym just looking to get his start. From the beginning, I knew he'd be a world champion and I watched proudly as he accomplished his dream in 2013.
Sometimes this sport is unfair. It's cruel. It's difficult to grasp. Demetrius has dealt with his share of ups and downs, but he's handled the adversity like a man, taking accountability for his actions and working every single day to be a better fighter and person. I have no doubt whatsoever he will reclaim the 154-pound world title, perhaps by the end of this year, and I think we'll one day look back on Saturday night as the turning point in his brilliant career.
The same can be said for Hank, who has dealt with losses in and out of the ring, rising as high as No. 1 in the world to falling out of the rankings. But he won't quit. Tell him he can't accomplish something and he'll work twice as hard to prove you wrong.
Three titles are on the line Saturday. Demetrius fights for the WBO and WBA International Titles and Hank fights for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Title. You know the stories, you know their backgrounds and you know what's at stake. Demetrius Andrade will be a world champion again. Hank Lundy will be a world champion. They've worked too hard to not make it to the top of the mountain.
As I've said before, it's rare to see two fighters at the top of the sport on the same card. It's so rare you might not see it again. No one knows for sure what's next for either Demetrius or Hank, but this might be your last chance to catch them right here in New England before the demands of this sport pull them in different directions. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Don't miss out on history. When Hank Lundy and Demetrius Andrade wrap those championship belts around their waist, be there to witness that moment, because it's not everyday you see it up close and personal.
This sport needs throwback fighters like Demetrius and Hank. We have them. Let's show them our love and support Saturday night.
Much respect,
Jimmy
|
Comments