Light heavyweight seeks WKA title March 20 at the Kenan Arena
By John D’Onofrio
LOCKPORT — Lockport’s Amer Abdallah will get his first opportunity to reclaim his World Kickboxing Association East Coast Light Heavyweight title on March 20 at the Kenan Center Arena.
After back-to-back impressive knockout victories over Cleveland’s Jesse Colone (April 25, 2009) and Milwaukee’s Donnie Pendelton (Aug. 1, 2009), Abdallah (8-0) will fight Scott Muller, 32, of Arkansas (13-2).
Also on the card is three-time Golden Gloves champion Lockport heavyweight Mike Ford and respected local fighter and trainer middleweight Corey Webster of Lockport.
Muller, a former member of the U.S. National Kickboxing Team, is known as a hard-hitting light heavyweight, knocking out the majority (11) of his opponents.
“We know he can hit and that’s fine. The question is how he’ll react when he gets hit,” said Abdallah’s head trainer Juan Deleon.
Team Abdallah opened camp in mid-January, giving them nine weeks to prepare for the mega fight. Heading up camp is longtime trainer Deleon (former Baby Joe Mesi trainer), strength and conditioning coach Gina Nowak and manager Lizz Bouchard.
“Thanks to Juan, Gina and the amazing Dr. Briarley, my body feels stronger than ever before,” Abdallah said.
“March 20th will be a glorious night for Lockport and the stage where we bring the title back home.”
Both Webster and Ford are expected to sign with Lace Up Promotions, Team Abdallah’s new promotions company, later this month.
“Mike’s been away from the scene for eight years now and is working hard to get his timing, speed and power back. He’s a natural athlete and will have no problem doing that,” Abdallah said.
Added Ford, “I’m happy to be back home in the Team Abdallah stable and perform in front of my community once again. I want to make Lockport proud of me.”
Special guests for the Kenan Arena event will include Mesi, former featherweight world champion Orlando Cruz and several other local professional athletes.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the opening bell scheduled for 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.TeamAbdallah.com or call 439-5232.