One of the highlights on the boxing calendar this past summer was a sizzling card on All-Star Weekend at Al Hrabosky’s Saloon that produced some of the most profound knockouts in recent memory.
Several of the key players from that afternoon will return next Thursday evening at the Machinists Hall in a show that will include some “can’t miss” match-ups hosted by a well-known group of fight veterans including Steve Holley, Jack Martorelli, Jim Howell and Jerry Leyshock.
I received a copy of the bout sheet from the office of Midwest Boxing Promotions at the eleventh hour and judging from the familiar names printed on it, fans are in for quite a night of thrills courtesy of both amateurs and pros.
In the only female match on the list, the dynamic Deirdre Rhodes will face off against North County’s Emily McCann. Deirdre was featured in this column last month and because she does most of her ring work in tournaments out of town, it will be interesting to see how her style has progressed.
Chris Porter from 12th & Park will meet North County’s Marlon Smith in a duel at 152 pounds, while South Broadway’s Tommy Chronister will take on Troy White from Pagedale. It was the game Porter and Chronister that provided the fireworks back in July, digging their heels into the canvas and trading back and forth for three furious rounds that ultimately went to the man from Broadway via decision.
In the pro ranks, Jamar “The Hurricane” Hampton will try to top his performance at Hrabosky’s, one in which he planted an overhand right onto his opponent’s chin just seventeen seconds after the opening bell. The punch made for a quick ending, but charged up the large crowd underneath the tent.
There’s no doubt that Hampton’s next opponent Dino Oliver will be looking to make a statement of his own and win over his own legion of followers.
I first wrote about the 240-pound bruiser Mike Gladney in November of 2004, noting his superb jab that I witnessed in the gym 48 hours before an amateur match. Gladney has since turned pro and will look to deliver the excitement of the heavyweight “glamour division” as he collides with Josh Schiesl on fight night.
Nearly 100 pounds south in the welterweight class, Brandon Baue will look to follow up his second round stoppage at the Lumiere Casino in June with a stern test against Jefferson City’s Shad Howard.
That main event is just one reason fight enthusiasts can look forward to watching a compelling roster of talent assembled by a team of promoters and matchmakers with a wealth of experience.
Tickets for the card on September 24 are priced at $20 for general admission or “Las Vegas style” seating for ten at $400 per table or $40 per ticket. VIP suite and ringside tickets are also available. The doors of the Machinists Hall, located at 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, will open at 6:30 and action will get under way at 7:30. More information is available by contacting Steve Holley at (314) 495-0820.