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Fourth exhilarating edition of United Boxing Promotions Fight Night at Pickering Casino Resort
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“Gold, Table 15. How am I going to find that in the dark? Excuse me,” I said to one of the casino attendants, “Could you please help me find my seat?”
“Of course, ma’am,” he said with a smile. “Right this way.” As he walked me through the auditorium, I felt the adrenaline in the room. I had come right in the middle of the Joshua Frazer, Carlos Rodrigues fight and the energy in the room was electric. I had come just in time; it was definitely the fight of the night, and I had made it just in time.
Featuring the province’s best fighters in world-class venues, Tyler Buxton’s United Boxing Promotions has a two-decade track record of developing elite-level Canadian boxing talent and delivering one of the premier fan experiences in Ontario sport.
“The long, storied history of professional boxing is intertwined with the casino entertainment industry,” explained Tyler Buxton, President of United Boxing Promotions. “We are thrilled to continue United’s blossoming partnership with the Pickering Casino Resort. With its world-class Arena venue, over 2,220 slots, 90-plus live table games, fine and casual dining options and luxury hotel, the Casino is a premier destination for professional boxing in Ontario.”
Officially opened in 2023, the Pickering Casino Resort is a premier gaming destination and with them being the official host of United Promotions Boxing, Fight Night at the Casino has quickly become a popular attraction, with October 21st, representing the fourth edition following three sell-out crowds to begin the series.
The first fight was a TKO in the third round for Gisu “Terminator” Lee, his second big stoppage in his first two fights with United Promotions. The second fight had Milad Zareian making a statement with a big TKO in his professional debut. After an all-action eight rounds, Joshua “Hell Razor” Frazer scored a split decision victory over Mohamed Rodriguez, and like I mentioned earlier, definitely fight of the night.
It was a perfect shut-out unanimous decision victory for Sara Haghighat-Joo over Esmeralda Gaona! “I’m ready to fight anyone that’s within the top five. I want No. 1 and think I should be ranked top five right now — I would literally take on any of them who have belts. We’re going after world titles, and by next year I should have a world title shot,” Sara Haghighat-Joo shared before her fight.
I stepped out to use the washroom for one minute, and by the time I got back in, Shakeel Phinn had already knocked out Rafael Sosa Pintos. “I am ready for those big calls in 2024,” Phinn shared. “Those are the fights I want, the top guys at 168. This win over Pintos will propel me into the conversation of taking on some of those top guys.”
The co-main event was supposed to be Mark Smither vs Paul Salcido, but the rumour is that Paul did not make weight. Before his pending fight, Mark shared his thoughts, “I am pumped. The Pickering Casino Resort is a great spot for fight night and my legion of fans from Barrie will be coming down with me. I’m going to apply the pressure early and we will be able to push the pace against our opponent — we’re looking for a clear, decisive victory.” Although we did not get to see him fight, Mark got in the ring and addressed his many fans, encouraging them to keep the fire burning, and to look out for him, because he would be back.
The main event Josh Wagner vs Abraham Juarez did not disappoint. As usual Josh took his time, dissecting his opponent round by round until his hand was raised, showing us once again that he is indeed “The Boss.”
I was happy to see our Jamaican fighters there representing: Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell, Ricardo “Big 12” Brown, and Gregory Killer Miller. I had a chance to speak with them, and they reminded me that on Saturday December 2nd, 2023, they would be back in action at Pickering Casino Resort.
See you all there!