Lockport hosts WKA world title fight tonight: Abdallah vs. Hughes
BY JOHN D’ONOFRIO john.donofrio@lockportjournal.com
For many, tonight’s professional fight card at the Kenan Arena is just the beginning.
For Lockport native Amer Abdallah, it’s a closing chapter.
Abdallah, one of the Lock City’s greatest ring champions and life-long MMA ambassadors, will take on England’s Daniel Hughes tonight for the World Kickboxing Association Cruiserweight Championship of the World.
It’s Western New York’s first ever WKA world title fight featuring a WNY native.
“I feel strong. It’s the best I’ve ever felt in my career,” said Abdallah, 16-0, who currently holds the WKA United States Heavyweight Championship belt and WKA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight crown.
“Tomorrow night will be feast,” said Abdallah, 38, at Friday night’s official weigh-in at the Seneca Niagara Casino Poker Room.
Hughes, 23-3, is hoping three’s a charm tonight. It’s his third to the United States. The father of three from Swindon, England, is the No. 2-ranked cruiserweight in the world and the current WKA British cruiserweight champion.
Abdallah, looking lean, mean and focused, weighed in at 189.4 pounds. Hughes, representing Scorpion Muay Thai, was a pound heavier at 190.4.
“I’ve been kickboxing since I was 4-years-old. My father’s my coach,” said Hughes, who was accompanied by his father, Christopher.
When asked what his plan of attack would be tonight, Hughes said, “My plan is to win — I wont give any secrets away. It’s a little too early for that in the morning paper. It will be a hard fought fight. I’m going out there and fight hard. I’m British.”
Meanwhile, other locals, including Joe Taylor and Eric Plumeri, weighed in for tonight’s fight card. Both Lockportians will be making their professional debuts for Lace-Up Promotions.
The “Son of a Legend” Taylor weighed in at 182.2 pounds. The two-time Golden Gloves champion and former semi-professional football star running back will take on Rodolfo Barcello of Syracuse.
Lockport’s “Candyman” Plumeri (18-2 as an amateur) weighed in at 164.4 pounds. The popular middleweight and proud father will face Evander Russ of Syracuse in his first pro fight.
Among others at Friday night’s weigh-in included “Super Fly” Sean Felton (167), Ayanna Tramont (165.4) and Erin Morris (144).
Felton will take on Corey Vail for the Lace-Up middleweight title. But not before the pair was locked in a classic stare down after weighing in. Tramont will vie for the women’s middleweight title when she battles Canadian Mindy Hall.
The Master of Ceremonies for Friday night’s weigh-ins and tonight’s ring announcer is Chris Gullo. The official fight photographer is the talented Jay Stoos.
VIP tables, VIP seating and ringside seating is sold out for the event. General admission tickets are still available, either in person at the Lockport Athletic Club or online at Ticketfly.com. Tickets will also be available at the door at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Among the many local sponsors of the event are Seneca Poker, Mulvey Construction, All Metal Works, Executive Landscaping, Papa Leos, BLING!, C&M Plumbing, Aquaholicks, Scott Cain – Cain, Witlin, Dry, Lockport Athletic Club and Collins Accounting.
Contact US&J Sports Editor John D’Onofrio at 439-9222 Ext. 6247