This article first appeared in the Lockport Journal
An historic international mixed martial arts card in three weeks will feature the Lock City’s first ever professional world title fight.
Lockport’s No. 2 world ranked Amer Abdallah (16-0) will take on defending world champion Gareth Richards of Wales, United Kingdom, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Kenan Center Arena.
Tickets for the expected sellout fight card are available in person at Molinaro’s Ristorante, 90 Walnut St., or online at Ticketfly.com.
“We could have landed this fight anywhere, but I chose to have it here. This is where my career began and this is where I’ll win my world title,” said the undefeated ring magician Abdallah, while training this week at his team’s headquarters at the world famous Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. Running the Abdallah training camp are renowned boxing coach Jeff Mayweather and two-time World Kickboxing champion Dewey Cooper.
“We work hard everyday — twice sometimes three times a day in extreme heat,” Abdallah said. “Most days, roadwork is in 100-plus degree weather outside and inside the gym it’s over 85 degrees while we’re sparring and working. I keep telling myself, pay the price now and live the rest of your life a world champion.”
Cooper and Mayweather have picked up sparring days for Abdallah this week to ensure he will be in prime shape for his Nov. 21 world title shot. New strength and conditioning coach Jeff Main has also been added to the team at the beginning of camp to work on Abdallah’s speed, strength and explosiveness.
“We have an amazing team and I’m very comfortable with my trainers” Abdallah said. “On Nov. 21, I’m going to unleash hell for the world to witness.”
The Kenan’s Nov. 21 undercard features several local favorites as well, including the “Candyman” Eric Plumeri, who will make his long awaited professional debut.
Lockport’s “Son of a Legend” Joe Taylor will be back in action and looks to move one step closer to his own professional career.
Pat “The Real Deal” Thompson will make his return to the ring, taking on Ryan “KO Kid” Nesbitt of Rochester in a turf battle. In what’s considered one of the most exciting bouts on the card, Mike “Handz of War” Moyer challenges “Superfly” Sean Felton in a super middleweight bout.
Tyler Rodier will take on “Baby” Joe Mesi’s nephew, Tyler Mesi, in what’s dubbed “A battle of Heart.” The fighting schoolteacher Ayanna Tramont will try to keep her undefeated record intact when she returns to the Lock City.
And the rematch both heavyweights have asked for — Ali Kimmons and Chuck Jewell — will face off again. In their last meeting Jewell TKO’d Kimmons in the second round.
The world title fight card event is sponsored by Seneca Poker along with Mulvey Construction, All Metal Works, KJ Motorsports, Executive Landscaping, Molinaro’s Ristorante, Collins Accounting and Aquaholicks & Cain, Witlin, Dry Accounting.