Tag Archives: Chris Traietti

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Steve “The Savage” Sumpter Predicts James Perkins fight won’t go the full distance on August 19th in Worcester, MA

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Steve Sumpter

(picture by Emily Harney / Fightography)

QUINCY, Mass. (July 12, 2023) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs) has never turned down a fight. Neither has his next opponent, James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs), and that’s why the two undefeated fighters will throw-down August 19th.

Sumpter vs. Perkins headlines “Pandemonium at The Palladium”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), in an eight-round showdown for the vacant International Boxing Association IBA) Americas Super Middleweight Championship..

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com from the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“This fight is one of the best main events Massachusetts has seen this year,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “What more can you ask for? Two undefeated guys with knockout power going for it all for a chance to elevate their careers to the next level. The spectators better take their bathroom and concession breaks before this one starts. It could end at any moment!”

More than a belt is at stake, more like Bay State (MA) bragging rights for the winner of this potentially “lights-out” fight between these Western (Sumpter, Pittsfield) and Eastern (Perkins, Lynn) Mass. rival fighters.

Sumpter, 29, leaped at the opportunity to fight another undefeated fighter because of the upside for his career that an impressive victory will make within New England boxing circles.

“’ll be better known after this fight,” Sumpter said. “I don’t care about my opponent’s record or anything else. This is the type of fight that will establish me as one of the better boxers around. This fight will open up a lot of doors for me, when I come out on top. More people will start taking notice of me and I’ll be getting calls for bigger fights.

“We are both explosive fighters. I don’t think he’s going the full distance. It’ll come down to skills. I’ve seen some things from him I’ll exploit. Nobody studies me better than me. I’m sure he has watched me, too.”

Pittsfield is 100 miles to the west of Worcester, but Sumpter, who is the reigning Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Champion, is confident his fans will travel in force.

“I’ll feel good traveling,” Sumpter added. “This will be the second card I’ve headlined. I have a solid fan-base and it’s growing with each win. And, like I said, he’s not going the distance.”

In the co-featured event, undefeated Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (11-0, 6 KOs) takes Hector “El Gatito” Ednar Bobadilla (9-14-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Atlantic welterweight title.

Other fighters expected to be in action on the “Pandemonium at The Palladium” undercard include another  Holyoke boxer, super welterweight Carlos Castillo (7-0, 4 KOs), unbeaten Springfield super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs), and New Haven (CT) featherweight Felix Parrilla (7-0, 6 KOs).

Card subject to change. Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bell at 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

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Twitter: @Granite_Chin

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Undefeated Irish Light Heavyweight Prospects Tommy “The Governor” Hyde & Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole Fighting again in adopted home – “Veterans Stadium Showcase” Outdoors on August 11th in Quincy, MA

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QUINCY, Mass. (July 10, 2023) – Like some of his fellow countrymen in the past, undefeated Irish light heavyweight prospects Tommy Hyde (5-0, 3 KOs) and Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole (7-0, 5 KOs) have traveled across “the pond” from their native Ireland to Boston in order to enhance their professional boxing careers.

They will both be fighting on the August 11th (Aug. 12th rain date) on the “Veterans Stadium Showcase” Pro-Am card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Quincy (MA), a suburb of Boston only 10 miles to the south of the Massachusetts capital.  

“This card wouldn’t be complete without some Irish flair to it,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “With that said, I didn’t want just any Irish fighters on the show. I wanted two of the hottest prospects. Working with both guys has been a pleasure. Their teams have been great. Their fan-bases are in for a treat come August 11th.”  

They’ve built solid fanbases of Irish natives who now live in the United States, as well as Irish American boxing fans, just like their predecessors from the Emerald Isle, world champion Steve Collins and Mike Tyson-conqueror Kevin McBride.

Although Hyde and O’Toole will be fighting in separate six-round bouts this could be a prelude to a showdown between the Irish light heavyweights. They fought twice as amateurs with each winning one and in the future, they could be matched against each other once again, only this time as professionals.

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Tommy Hyde (L) – (picture credit: Garreth Croke) 

The 24-year-old Hyde is a three-time Irish National Champion who had an 80-26 amateur record. His father, Gary Hyde, is an international matchmaker who has represented numerous world champions.

“I am delighted to be fighting in Boston again,” Hyde said. “It’s like a second home now. I have a lot of family and friends living there and they all show me great support when I’m fighting there. It’s a big boxing city and it’s great to be following in the footsteps of Steve Collins and Kevin McBride who I really admire.

“I fought all over the world as an amateur in 2019. I fought outdoors in a multi-national tournament in Odessa, Ukraine. It was a really good experience, so I’m really looking forward to fighting outdoors in a Boston stadium.

“This will be the second show we shared since we’ve been pros and it probably won’t be the last. A fight between us could be big down the line in Boston or Ireland. He’s an Irishman like me, so I’ll be supporting him until we fight just like any other Irish boxer.”

Hyde faces an opponent to be determined.

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Thomas O’Toole (R) – (photo credit: Emily Harney / Fightography

O’Toole, 25, is another celebrated Irish amateur boxer who captured top honors in the Haringey Box Cup and Irish Elevate final, in which he decisioned Hyde. “The Kid” won 51 of 60 amateur matches. Ten Years ago, O’Toole fought outdoors for the first and only time in an amateur show at Boston City Hall, arranged by then- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

A southpaw, O’Toole lives in nearby Braintree (MA). Six of his seven pro matches have been held in Greater Boston, the lone exception in Manchester, New Hampshire. “The Kid” is moving up one division to fight Massachusetts cruiserweight champion Scott “Scottie Bombs” Lampert (5-8, 4 KOs) for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) cruiserweight crown.

“Fighting outdoors does make a difference,” O’Toole commented, “especially if it’s hot and humid. I couldn’t prepare for fighting outdoors here in the summer if I was training in Ireland. We don’t have hot and humid weather there. I’ve been training here in this weather. It’s amazing how the weather can zap your strength. It did have an effect on me when I fought in Boston outdoors as an amateur.

“Tommy and I have gone our separate ways as pros, but our paths may grow down the line. We haven’t seen much of each other when we fought on the same card here. He is coming on very well in the pro ranks. He has a good man behind him in his father, Gary, and I think Tommy can go far. He’s said that a fight between us can easily be made if it makes sense. I agree. We both have big fan bases. This is going to be an amazing, fun night.”

Irish eyes will certainly be smilin’ Aug. 11th in Quincy.

In the eight-round, main event, former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man, Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook, and Haverhill’s Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti (9-4, 3 KOs), reigning ABF Atlantic super lightweight title holder, will throw-down in a non-title fight.

United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs), of Woburn, and Massachusetts titleholder Jamer Jones (3-1, 3 KOs), of Pittsfield, are in a middleweight unification bout for their titles in the eight-round co-featured event.

Gigliotti’s stablemates, undefeated Lowell lightweight Gabriel “The Menace” Morales (7-0, 4 KOs) and unbeaten Methuen middleweight Luke “The Quiet Storm” Iannuccilli (6-0, 3 KOs) will also be in action, respectively, versus Nathan Benichou (2-16-1, 2 KOs) and Ryan Thomas Clark (2-4, 1 KO).

Also fighting on the undercard is undefeated middleweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (14-0, 13 KOs), of nearby Weymouth (MA), will be in action, as well as Scituate heavyweight Kevin Nagle (2-0, 2 KOs), vs. TBAs. Hogan was a celebrated amateur who was a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team alternate as well as a 2010 New England Golden Gloves champion.

Card subject to change.

Tickets for “Veterans Stadium Showcase,” are on sale and available for purchase online at www.EventBrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Traietti at chris@granite-chin-promotions.com for details.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET with the amateur matches starting  at 6:30 p.m. ET, pro card commences at 8 pm. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

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Granite Chin Promotions returns to the Granite State Lowell lightweight Nicholas Molina to headline “Slugfest” Mar. 19th at N.E. Sports Center in Derry, NH

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QUINCY, Mass. (March 1, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions returns to the Granite State on March 19th with another professional boxing card, “Slugfest,” at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.


“Slugfest” will be the second Granite Chin event promoted three weeks having presented “Showcase” this past Saturday night in Framingham, Massachusetts.
 
“After an exciting show in Framingham last weekend,” Granite State president Chris Traietti said, “I am excited to get back to Derry, New Hampshire, where we have had a ton of success during the last two years.”


Undefeated lightweight prospect Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (7-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Lowell, Massachusetts, will headline “Slugfest” in an 8-round bout against “Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-10, 6 KOs).


In the co-featured event, Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-1, 2 KOs) faces Brian Urday (1-0), of Whitman (MA), in an 8-round match.

Other fighters scheduled to be fighting on “Slugfest” include former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs), New Bedford (MA) Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), Providence’s pro-debuting welterweight Michael Vongsavath, Jr., Swansea (MA) super welterweight Anthony Andreozzi (1-2, 1 KO), Metheun (MA) heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov, and Pittsfield (MA) brothers, super middleweight Steve Sumpter (4-0, 4 KOs) and heavyweight Quinton Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs).


“There are a lot of fights in this card that will be well worth the price of admission,” Traietti added. “We are happy to have Nick Molina on a Granite Chin card for the first time, as well as debuting Viktor Lobov. Fans will also get a good dose of notoriously exciting fighters such as Julien Baptiste, Jason Rolfe, Anthony Andreozzi, and the return of Edet Mkpanam.”


Card subject to change.


Tickets are available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SLUGFEST). Ticket prices are $35.00 (Bleacher Seating), $45.00 (Floor Seating, and $260.00 for a table of 4.


Doors open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
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Atlanta middleweight Antonio Todd, Jr. Riding high after upsetting WBC No. 10 rated Hugo Centeno

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QUINCY, Mass. (January 26, 2022) – Last Saturday night in Detroit, Atlanta middleweight Antonio Todd, Jr. registered his career-defining victory, upsetting World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 10-rated Hugo “The Boss” Centeno, Jr. by way of a 10-round majority decision in the main event.

The 27-year-old Todd, fighting out of Atlanta, won on two of the three judges’ scorecards, 97-93 and 96-94, as the other had it a 95-95 draw. More impressive was Todd defeating a fighter who is under contract to the event promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

“It was the biggest win of my career, thus far,” Todd said. “It means a lot for my career in terms of taking me to the next level. I feel that I won the fight by unanimous decision and, if he hadn’t started moving around, I could have stopped him. But this is boxing, you need to take chances to be great.

“I want to fight anybody, anybody in the 160-pound division, fighting bigger names on television. I’m ready now! I think real fighters or those confident in their skills will be the guys who step up. We do have a couple names in mind.”

Todd is promoted by rising New England-based Granite Chin Promotions, owned, and operated by Chris Traietti.

“The way Antonio handled himself throughout the whole process leading up to the Centano fight is a testament to his character and drive,” Traietti commented. “At first, the fight was on, then off, then back on again. Then, Centeno was over the weight limit. Despite all of this, Antonio and his trainer, Lionel Harris, just stayed focused on the fighting part of all this, leaving the behind-the-scenes stuff to me, and he delivered a career-defining performance. For 10 rounds he brought pressure, used his world-class jab, and pulled off a beautiful complete win.”
Todd concluded, “I love being promoted by Chris. It’s great being part of his Granite Chin team and him being part of my team.”

INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/GraniteChin, /AntonioTodd
Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @primothagreat
Instagram: @AntonioTodd
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Granite Chin Promotions returns to Massachusetts Nelson Perez vs. Tyrone Luckey to headline “Showcase” Feb. 26th at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, MA

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QUINCY, Mass. (January 3, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its first event of 2022, “Showcase,” scheduled on Saturday night, February 26th, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Showcase” will mark Granite Chin’s first event in Massachusetts in more than 2 years, as well as being only the second professional boxing show ever in Framingham, which is located 23 miles west of Boston.

“I am excited to be coming back to Massachusetts,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “Between changes occurring with the commission, then COVID, I just felt like it was a good time to step away for a bit, head up to New Hampshire and let things sort of settle in Massachusetts. Now that things are sort of back to normal, I feel like the time is right to bring our great club-show boxing back to Massachusetts. This card is going to be highly competitive from top to bottom. I have the roster now where I can both develop fighters and put on high quality local shows. 2020 was about making good relationships with other promoters and matchmakers; 2021 about developing a quality roster and keeping guys busy during a pandemic. 2022 is going to be geared towards becoming the face of quality local boxing shows and getting Granite Chin fighters on high-level, world-class cards all across the country.” 

The 8-round main event will pit local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) against New Jersey veteran super lightweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-16-4, 11 KOs).

Perez is a native of Puerto Rico who lives in Marlboro (MA), which borders Framingham. A past New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur, Perez is coming off a dominating 4-round unanimous decision victory (40-34 X 3) December 4th against Raymundo Rios Cardies on a DAZN card in Manchester, New Hampshire. Perez will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout.

Luckey, fighting out of Manahawkin, NJ, is the reigning ABF USA Mid-American Super Lightweight Champion. The dangerous Luckey has been a gatekeeper of lightweight up to welterweight divisions having fought top prospects such as Mike Ohan, Jr. Jamaine Ortiz, Tyler Tomlin, and Frank Martin. Luckey has recent back-to-back victories against previously unbeaten Eduardo Aquilar.

Hot welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (7-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), faces Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-0) in the 6-round co-featured event.

Denzel, the latest member of the “Fightin’ Whitley family,” is trained by his father and uncle, respectively, Derrick and Darrin, who were respected pro fighters in New England.

Fighting out of Warwick, Rhode Island, the 31-year-old Raymond made his pro debut this past November 13th, upsetting previously undefeated Julien Baptiste (3-0) by way of a 4-round split decision.

Additional bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.

Tickets will soon be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SHOWCASE). Ticket prices are $50.00 (General Seating), $75.00 (Ringside), and $1,000.00 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 7:00 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @flymikemarshall

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Galloway’s Tyrone Luckey is a throwback fighter, boxing career resurrected

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QUINCY, Mass. (October 27, 2022) – In short two years, after signing a contract with Granite Chin Promotions, veteran New Jersey boxer Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey has gone from journeyman to legitimate opponent with a promising upside.

“Guys like Tyrone have a special spot for me,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti commented. “I’ve helped to build up his record, developed trust between us, and we’ll see where we go from here. He’s a big Dallas Cowboy fan and he really wanted to fight in AT & T Arena. He dreamed of fighting there and  I got him on the Spence-Garcia card, and he got the biggest purse of his life.”

“He is a fighter’s fighter. Any promoter would be very happy to have 25 like him in their stable. His goal now is to make as much as he can over the next few years and get out with his health. He continues to trust me. He wants to be part of the team and I just signed him to a new 3-year deal. Tyrone has had a bit of a rebirth in his career.”

The former New Jersey Golden Gloves Champion had a 9-12-4 pro record, when he joined the Granite Chin stable, and since then Luckey has won six of nine fights, capturing the ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title along the way.

“I had no choice but to get better,” Lucky spoke about his resurgence the past two years. “It first changed when I started going to Gladiator’s Gym for help with trainer Shawn Darling. My career in boxing changed since the pandemic started.

The 36-year-old Luckey (15-15-4, 11 KOs), fighting out of Galloway (NJ), is a throwback fighter back to the days boxers only asked when and where they were fighting, no pickin’ and choosin’ soft touches. Evidence of his admirable attitude is the fact he’s fought in six different weight classes, from super featherweight  to super welterweight, during his 11-year-pro career.

“I’m not afraid of anyone,” Luckey said. “I fight guys others avoid, even some that world champions wouldn’t fight. I’m able to fight in different weight classes because I know my body and how to properly get done in weight. Right now, I feel comfortable at 140 pounds, and I feel like I have a ton of power at 130 or 135 pounds. I’m naturally small, but psychologically, I’m always the bigger fighter no matter what position I find myself in.”

Luckey’s stock jumped in his last two fights, both against previously unbeaten Eduardo Aguilar, who was knocked out, respectively, in the first round and he couldn’t continue past the sixth round in their most recent fight, in which Luckey dropped Aguilar seven times.

A married man who is an endoscopy technician, Luckey has been saving his boxing purses to eventually buy a house.

“I plan to box until I’m 39, maximum of 40,” Luckey remarked. “I’ll call it quits and maybe become a trainer or pro bowler. I’m trying to get into a sanctioned league (he averages 215 and rolled a perfect 300 game in 2017).”

Luckey and Traietti, also a pro boxer, have a mutually beneficial relationship today. “Our relationship has always been great,” Tyrone confirmed. “I had a fight fallout and the matchmaker set me up with Chris, who was working a fight in Minnesota. He said that after the fight we could talk. He’s a good dude, great promoter. I’m glad our paths crossed because he’s put me in a new situation. I put my faith in him. It’s always love when we talk.” 

“We hit it off right away,” Traietti concluded. “He’s easy to work with and will fight anybody. To his credit, he signed with me when it wasn’t really popular, not until 8 to 10 months later. Granite Chin has blown up and my some of my fighters have been performing on some of the biggest cards in boxing.”

Do you feel lucky? Tyrone Luckey certainly does and he’s finally cashing in on all his hard work and perseverance, fighting under the Granite Chin banner.


INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
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“Breakout” Possible swan song for Steve Vukosa, Statement time for Mike Marshall

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QUINCY, Mass. (June 1, 2021) – The main event on the June 26th “Breakout” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, matches two New England heavyweights heading in opposite directions, Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).
 
The evening card of another Granite Chin day-night doubleheader (separate admissions) is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) who will possibly be fighting for the final time – win, lose or draw — and reigning New England heavyweight champion Marshall. 
 
Vukosa, fighting of out Quincy, MA, is a former WBC U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which he captured in 2019 when he won an 8-round unanimous decision against Joe Cusumano (18-2, 16 KOs). During his 20-year pro boxing career, Vukosa’s gained invaluable experience sparring at the famed Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles as a sparring partner for world champions James Toney, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko. He’s also driven a bus for the past 15 years for the Mass Bay Transportation Authority, starting at 4 p.m. and finishing around 2 a.m., after which he does his run in. But he’s now 44 with a wife and three children and his boxing clock is ticking.
 
“I’m still fighting because I love it,” Vukosa explained. “It’s hard to walk away from something you’re good at. This one fight and it could be the end. My wife will be happy. My body is starting to fall apart: hands, back and knees. They’ve been killing me. I used to be quick and fast, now I’m slow. I just want to have a good fight, win, or lose, but I want to win. I really enjoyed by days at Wild Card, those sparring sessions were like real fights, and my amateur days with trainer Jimmy Farrell.
 
“I saw my opponent when he won the New England title, I was impressed. (promoter)Chris (Traietti) called asking if I’d fight him, I accepted because I like to fight and a good challenge. I’m looking forward to the fight.”
 
The 36-year-old Marshall, fighting out of Danbury, CT, has won his last two fights, both on Granite Chin shows at the same venue as his upcoming match with Vukosa, including his N.E. title-winning performance last November against Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe. Marshall isn’t looking at his opponent as over the hill because of Vukosa’s advance age, but he does plan to make a statement that, hopefully, will get him positive exposure outside of New England.
 
“I know he’s a veteran pugilist, a pupil of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who was an awesome fighter in his own right,” Marshall remarked. “This is boxing, anything can happen. My job is to prepare for anything. I’ve had the best quality sparring in house with the No. 1 amateur heavyweight, Fernely Felix, Jr. My team works very hard, My manger, A.J. Galante, asked me to be sharper in my last fight (3-round KO of Tracey Johnson this past April), so I did what he asked me to do. My cornerman Austin Ampeoquio keeps me sharp with the mitts, and my head coaches David McDonough and Bennie ‘The Jet’ Little do a good job pushing me as well.
 
“I know Steve comes to fight and I’m looking forward to an exciting night of boxing. We are two warriors going toe-to-toe in the ring, putting on a show for boxing fans who really enjoy the sport of boxing, not this YouTube celebrity garbage that’s going on right now.”   
 
“Steve ran into some bad luck after the Cusumano win,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “A few fights fell through, then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. We literally had a fight in Germany fall out the day we were set to leave for the airport. After that we lost a lot of the steam from the Cusamano fight and kind of had to reassess. He picked up a tune-up fight a few months ago, but we now have to either regain some momentum by winning a fight like this or finally have Steve ride off into the sunset. This fight with Marshall will be no picnic. He has burst upon the local scene with some impressive performances.
 
“Like many coming to the fight, I have no idea how this fight shakes out, which makes for a great main event. One thing I will say, despite what Steve like to make people believe, in the event he wins this fight, it won’t be his final fight. Zero chance of that! If Marshall wins, I have no doubt he will get a television fight in the very near future on a major network.”
 
In the 8-round co-featured event, former N.E. heavyweight champion Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield, ME, will takes on Mexican challenger Jose Humberto “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs) for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.
 
New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Holbrook, MA, will defend his title in an 8-round match against upset-mindedTyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs).
 
Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Indianapolis junior welterweight Dewayne Wisdom will be in his 66th pro fight against Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-rounder. 
 
Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0) vs. Aquilando Brandao (0-3), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Abel Castillo (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jay Gregory (0-3), Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rodrigo Almeida (2-10, 2 KOs), Framingham, MA light heavyweight Saul “Spider” Almeida (0-13-4) vs. pro-debuting Steve Sumpter, Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-4), undefeated Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs) vs. Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-47-2, 8 KOs), and Worcester’s (MA) 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Wallace Nass Silva.
 
The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will be headlined by ABF Atlantic Cruiserweight Champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) defending his title against Lewiston, ME challenger Cristiano Pedro, fighting out by way of Angola, in an 8-round fight.
 
Other pro fights, all 4-rounders, include Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New York’s pro-debuting Andrew Nolan, Methuen (MA), light heavyweightAndrew Perez in his pro debut vs. Jesus Cintron (1-18-2), Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York light heavyweight Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting super middleweightLaurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA.
 
The inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” tournament, pitting some of the best amateur boxers in New England in the semifinals round, in the USA Boxing-sanctioned event during the afternoon portion of the day-night doubleheader. The semifinals winners will advance to the tournament’s championship final August 28th at New England Sports Center. 
 
Some of the top N.E. amateur boxers expected to compete include 2021 USA National Championships gold medalist Arika Skoog, the 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion out of Newton (MA); 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Tashawn Ward, a featherweight from Providence (RI); and middleweights James Maner, 2019 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from Providence, and 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez, of Nashua (N.H).
 
Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25.00 (Day Show) / $40.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned). Unassigned ringside seating will be available at $35.00 per seat during the day show. The night show will offer ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) for $300.00 and are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com(Search: Granite Chin Invitational for the day show, Breakout for night show).
 
Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
INFORMATION:  
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Twitter: @Granite_Chin
boxing, Granite Chin

“Crossroads: doubleheader results from N.H.: Kendrick Ball, Jr. hits home run vs. Bryan Vera

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“Crossroads” results from New Hampshire 

DERRY, N.H. (April 18, 2021) – Former New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. turned in a career-best performance in last night’s main event against dangerous Bryan “The Warrior” Vera on the evening portion of the “Crossroads” day-night doubleheader, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire. 

The pre-fight plan was followed as Ball (16-1-2, 11 KOs) boxed and moved, while Vera (28-17, 18 KOs) applied pressure, right from the opening bell.  Ball took control in the second round, when he stayed in the pocket, snapping off crisp combinations.  Ball fired more effective combinations in the third round as Vera started chasing his opponent.  Ball started moving around the ring and fighting from the outside in the fourth and stayed on his toes the remainder of the fight. 

Ball won an 8-round unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (United States) Silver Super Middleweight Champion. 

“This was my best fight, because of who I fought, and the magnitude of the fight,” Ball commented.  “The plan was to box and move because he was much smaller and slower.  At times I banged, when I knew he wasn’t hurting me, but I shouldn’t have taken the risks.” 

The 39-year-old Vera isn’t the same fighter he was when he beat three different world champions – Andy Lee, Sergio Mora (twice) and Serhiy Dzinziruk.  The Texan needs to decide if it’s time to finally hang up his gloves.  

“This was awesome, definitely our best show to date,” Granite Chin’s Chris Traietti declared after the show.  “We feel great about stepping up to give these fighters, especially the locals, a platform to perform on in front of fans.  I think a lot of promoters have gotten lazy.  They gave us a lane and Granite Chin took advantage.  This was our fourth show with fans during the last year.  Brian fought hard and he’s a great guy, but he’s not the same guy he was in 2011.  He needs to think about what he’s going to do. 

“Granite Chin returns here June 26th with another doubleheader.  The afternoon show will be the Granite Chin Invitational for open elite boxers.  With the New England Golden Gloves canceled again there is a void to fill.  If promoters are going to help amateurs, I certainly will, starting June 26th.” 

Challenger Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs) dethroned defending New Hampshire Welterweight Champion Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO) via a sixth-round stoppage in an entertaining co-feature.  A devastating overhand right from Bates gave him his new crown as the referee didn’t even count as the ring doctor quickly entered the ring.  

Larry “Hitman” Pryor took the contract out on Scott Lambert and he wasted little time taking care of business to become the New Hampshire Cruiserweight Champion.  Pryor took advantage of his decisive height and reach advantages, closing the show with a perfectly thrown left hook that sent Lambert to the canvas.  Lambert managed to beat the count, but the referee stopped the fight midway through the opening round when he saw Lambert wobbling back and forth on rubbery legs. 

Lanky lefthanded Francis “The Tank” Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs) graduated last night with a brilliant performance against Larry “Slo Mo” Smith, who was in his 60th career fight.  Hogan put down Smith early in the third round and caught the Texan late in the same round with a lefty-combination to the temple.  Smith beat the count, but he was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round, and  20-year-old Hogan became the new New Hampshire Junior Middleweight Champion. 

Former New England heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs) positioned himself for another N.E. title shot with a spectacular knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO). The 263-pound Rolfe, fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, charged across the ring at the bell and put his Arizona opponent to sleep right in his corner, when he was counted out at the 20-seconds mark. 

The newest member of the fightin’ Whitley family from western Massachusetts, undefeated welterweight Denzel Whitley, cruised to his fourth victory with his fourth knockout.  He drilled Aquilandro Brandao late in round one and the fight was stopped by the referee. 

Undefeated Jahye Brown (9-0, 7 KOs) captured the vacant ABF Athletic junior middleweight title with a hard fought 8-round unanimous decision over a game Mexican opponent,Dormedes Potes (12-4-1, 9 KOs).  The two fought toe-to-toe from the opening bell and Brown landed the more effective punches inside to earn the victory.  

Promising middleweight prospect Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste improved to 2-0 with his second knockout, blasting out Bruno Dias in the third round.  

Fighting for the first time in more than eight years, Fall River, MA welterweight Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs) won a 4-round unanimous decision over pro-debuting AnthonyAndreozzi in what can best be called a rough and tumble match. 

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo’s professional debut was a gem as the Holyoke, MA fighter dropped Theo Desjardon twice, the last closing the show late in the first round.  

“Cannon” Berry stops Ibarra in 5  

UBO All-America Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs) successfully defended in the afternoon card’s main event, overcoming a slow start in which he was buzzed to stop challenger Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs) in the fifth round. 

Berry finished the fight in the fifth, when he unloaded twin barrages of unanswered punches on a trapped Ibarra until the referee waved off the fight. 

“I’m glad it wasn’t a 4-round fight,” Berry said after the fight.  “He was a strong guy.  I was feeling it.  He tested me.  I want to thank my family and friends here, and Granite Chin and everybody involved in the promotion.” 

In the co-featured event, New England heavyweight champion Mike “Fly” Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), in a non-title fight, knocked out Tracey Johnson (4-10-6) in the third round. 

Popular Boston Irishman Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs) – 6’ 6”, 269 lbs. – needed only 42-seconds and one big right to stop pro-debuting heavyweight Marco Nascimento. 

Massachusetts welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff convincingly won his pro debut against Jader Alves (0-5) as he pitched a 4-round shutout 

Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds had an awesome pro debut, dropping cruiserweight Francisco Neto twice in round one, the second a vicious body shot ending the fight.  Edmonds, a southpaw from Worcester, MA, is a college graduate and bonafide prospect to watch. 

In a non-title fight, New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) schooled his 54-fight Las Vegas opponent, junior middleweight Rynell Griffin. Ohan decked Griffin three times in the first round, the third with a left hook to the body from which Griffin was unable to beat the count. 

Canadian cruiserweight Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) landed two stinging rights to the body of 63-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, both flooring the Missouri fighter, the second resulting in an opening-round knockout for the vacant ABF Atlantic title.  

Connecticut welterweight Omar “The Beast” Borday, Jr. (1101, 3 KOs) dominated 65-fight journeyman Dewayne Wisdom en route to a one-sided 8-round unanimous decision. 

Official results below: 

OFFICIAL RESULTS 

NIGHT CARD 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP  

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (16-1-2, 11 KOs), Worcester, MA 

WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) 

Bryan Vera (28-17, 18 KOs), Austin, TX 

(Ball on WBC USNBC Silver middleweight title)  

CO-FEATIURE –NEW HAMPSHIRE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs), Taunton, MA  

WKO6 (2 :26) 

Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA 

(Bates won the N.H. welterweight title) 

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Larry Pryor (14-23, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD 

WTKO1 (1:50) 

Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO), Dover Plains, NY 

(Pryor won the N.H. cruiserweight title) 

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Francis Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs), Weymouth, MA 

WTKO3 (3:00) 

Larry Smith (12-46-2 (8 KOs), Dallas, TX 

(Hogan won the N.H. junior middleweight title) 

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Jahyae Brown (9-0, 7 KOs), Schenectady, NY 

WDEC8 (79-72, 77-74, 77074) 

Dormedes Potes (12-3-1, 9 KOs), Woburn, MA 

(Brown won ABF Atlantic junior middleweight title) 

HEAVYWEIGHTS 

Justin Rolfe (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME 

WKO1 (0:20) 

Alfredo Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO), Douglas, AZ 

WELTERWEIGHTS 

Denzel Whitley (4-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA  

WTKO1 (2 :42) 

Aquilando Brandao (0-4), Boston, MA 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS 

Julien Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA  

WTKO3 (2 :26) 

Bruno Dias (0-5), Boston, MA  

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT  

Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), Holyoke, MA 

WTKO1 (2:16) 

Theo Desjardin (0-7), Attleboro, MA 

WELTERWEGHTS 

Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA  

WDEC4 (39-36, 39-036, 39-37 

Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Swansea, MA 

. 

DAY CARD 

MAIN EVENT – UBO ALL-AMERICA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Brandon Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME 

WTKO5 (1:29) 

Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs), Bisbee, AZ 

(Berry retained the UBO All-America welterweight title) 

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS 

Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 

WTKO3 (0:38) 

Tracey Johnson, (4-10-6, 0 KOs), Boston, MA. 

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP 

Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 

WKO1 (1:02) 

Steve Walker (26-37, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO 

(Pellerin won the ABF Atlantic cruiserweight title) 

HEAVYWEIGHTS  

Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA  

WTKO1 (0:42) 

Marco Nascimento (0-1), Bow, NH 

CRUISERWEIGHTS 

Demek Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 

WTKO1 (2:56) 

Francisco Neto (1-12), Woburn, MA 

            JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS 

Mike Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), Holbrook, MA 

WTKO1 (2:52) 

Rynell Griffin (8-46-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 

WELTERWEIGHTS 

Eric Goff (1-0, 1 KO), Weymouth, MA 

WDEC4 (40-30, 40-34, 40-34) 

Jader Alves (0-5), Woburn, MA. 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS 

Omar Borday, Jr. (11-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT 

WDEC8 (80-70, 79-72, 78-72 

Dewayne Wisdom (7-56-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN 

INFORMATION:   

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Twitter: @Granite_Chin 

boxing

Granite Chin Promotion presents Thanksgiving Eve show “Championship Boxing at The Armory”

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This Wednesday at National Guard Armory in Dorchester, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (November 19, 2018) – A major change has been made to this Wednesday night’s (Nov. 21) “Championship Boxing at The Armory” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) on Thanksgiving Eve, at the National Guard Armory (70 Victory Road) in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The originally scheduled headliner, three-time world title challenger Aleksandra Magziak Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), withdrew when she accepted a world title shot Dec. 8 in Carson, California, against undisputed World welterweight champion Cecelia “First Lady” Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs) in the main event on HBO.

 

 

 

Many of New England’s most talented and popular boxers will still be in action this Wednesday evening. GCP co-promoter Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), fighting out of Quincy (MA), will defend his New England cruiserweight title against challenger Nick Lavin (5-9, 4 KOs), of Shelton (CT), in the new eight-round main event.

 

 

 

The 33-year-old Traietti, an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, defeated the heavy-handed Lavin by way of an eight-round unanimous decision August 5, 2017 for the N.E. title.

 

 

 

“As disheartening as it was to lose Aleks on this show,” Traietti said, “we are thrilled she’s getting a career defining opportunity on HBO.  She’s worked hard for the opportunity and we wish her the best of luck December 8th.

 

 

 

“We shuffled some of the bouts around and moved my fight to the main event.  Last time we fought, Nick showed up and gave me eight tough rounds.  I have no doubt he’s going to deliver a similar performance.  Overall, we are excited about this card as it features a mix of local veterans and prospects.  Fans are in for a fun night that will be action packed.”

 

 

 

In the six-round co-featured event, former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (14-2, 7 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, faces Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-15, 8 KOs), who has been a gatekeeper for NE’s top prospects over the past few years.

 

 

 

Claremont, NH favorite Ricky Ford (3-1-1, 1 KO) will be shooting for his fourth consecutive when he meets Saul Almeida, of Woburn, in a four-round middleweight match.

 

 

 

2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament Champion Henry Gedney (1-0), a promising super middleweight prospect from Gloucester, MA, is matched versus Francisco Neto (0-1), of Woburn, in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Pembroke, MA cruiserweight Vinnie “American Dream” Carita (18-1-1, 17 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA and Pembroke, MA resident, takes on 61-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, the former Mid-West middleweight titlist, in a scheduled eight-round fight.

 

 

 

Undefeated New York junior welterweight prospect Ray Jay Bermudez (4-0, 2 KOs) throws-down with Bruno Dias (0-4), of Woburn (MA), in a four-rounder.

 

 

 

Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Concepcion (1-0, 1 KOs), trained by World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, squares off with former Pacific Coast lightweight champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela in the four-round opener.

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

Tickets, priced at $60.00 ringside and $40.00 standing room, are available to purchase on line at

https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=WWW.TICKETRIVER.COM&data=02%7C01%7C%7C8eadd0515808469a4cdc08d63606ecc5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636755800699338618&sdata=iDQvM%2FOsaWTYc1IDC3t%2B%2Fu9EtMbj8Egv1vbhT2YYqU4%3D&reserved=0.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

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