BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Alright, it was fight night again. “Time to get ready to witness some epic battles in the ring,” I thought to myself. I couldn’t wait to see what surprises tonight’s fights had in store. I arrived at Pickering Casino and Resort fashionably late (as usual) and took my seat amidst the sea of cheering spectators, eagerly awaiting the start of the next fight. As the lights dimmed and the next round of fighters made their entrance into the ring, I felt a surge of excitement. I knew that tonight, I was going to witness courage, determination, and the raw power of the human spirit on full display.
With each electrifying round that unfolded, I found myself fully immersed in the drama and intensity of the fights. Whether it was a fierce knockout, or a hard-fought victory, I savoured every moment, knowing that I was a part of something truly special.
United Boxing Promotions stands at the forefront of the electrifying boxing world here in Ontario, orchestrating matches that not only showcase the raw physicality and strategic brilliance of the sport, but also evoke profound emotional resonance. They remain committed to delivering unforgettable bouts, paired with their unparalleled expertise in promoting and managing top-tier talent. It cements their position as the pinnacle of the boxing business.
Through what seems like meticulous planning and execution, they have strategically brought together the perfect blend of: athleticism, intellect, and passion that defines boxing. Each match curated by United Boxing Promotions is not merely a sporting event, but a captivating saga, where competitors push themselves to the limit, engaging in a battle that transcends mere physicality.
At the heart of it all lies the deep emotional connection that boxing fosters. United Boxing Promotions understands and celebrates the profound impact that this sport has on both participants and spectators alike. From the exhilaration of victory to the resilience in defeat, every moment in the ring is imbued with the full spectrum of human emotion.
This was evident with the signing of Caribbean amateur champion Jerone Ennis who was set for his professional debut in the light heavyweight division, facing Argentina’s Marcelo ‘El Flaco’ Fernandez. At 175-lbs, he was gunning for a debut knockout, and got exactly that in the first round. I missed it, but I heard that it was show stopping. Jamaica represents every time!
Jerone Ennis, a native of Denham Town, Kingston, has big goals in the professional ranks, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jamaican stablemates Kemahl ‘The Hitman’ Russell and Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown.
I did arrive in time for the fight between Former Muay Thai World Champion Michael ‘The Spartan’ Fitzpatrick and fellow Jamaican veteran Gregory ‘Killa’ Miller. Disappointingly, Killa Miller was not at his best, and was sadly defeated by the Spartan Fitzpatrick. Mind you, there was a lot going on with that match. The Spartan came in overweight, which meant that Killa had to try to gain a certain amount of weight in a short amount of time, something that he documented on his social media pages. Did that affect his fight? It definitely could have.
Pickering resident Kyle ‘The Caveman’ McLaughlin makes his emotional Canadian debut, fighting in memory of his friend Kevin Beer against all-action Hamilton veteran Dylan ‘Destruction’ Rushton. This fight nearly didn’t happen, but thankfully, in sportsman like fashion, Dylan “Destruction” Rushton stepped in and gave the crowd the fight of the night.
From the moment the gloves touched, it was clear this wouldn’t be a bout for the faint-hearted. Both fighters exploded into action, fists flying with lightning speed. Each punch was thrown with precision, seeking to find its mark and deliver a knockout blow.
The pace was relentless, a blur of movement as they weaved and dodged, bobbing and weaving like skilled dancers in the center of the ring. The audience was on the edge of their seats, caught up in the intensity of the moment.
As the rounds ticked by, the intensity only grew. Sweat poured from their brows, their chests heaving with exertion, but still they pressed on, driven by a hunger for victory that burned deep within.
In the final moments of the fight, with the outcome hanging in the balance, they unleashed a flurry of blows that left the crowd breathless. The arena erupted into chaos as the final bell rang, signaling the end of an epic battle.
In the end, there can only be one victor, but both fighters left everything they had in the ring. It was a fight that will be remembered for years to come, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the warriors who dared to step into the arena and do battle.
The next fight was not as exciting, but still a very good match. Oshawa product ‘Bad’ Thad Buntsma has earned the largest opportunity of his career, a Co-Main Event slot against former two-division Mexican champion Luis ‘Coto’ Vidales. Thad Buntsma and Coto Vidales came out fighting, both equally skilled, but Bad Buntsma had the edge.
Finally, world-ranked Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool made her Main Event debut against Brazilian Olympian and former World Title Challenger Adriana ‘Pitbull’ Araujo. I will be honest with you readers, The Whip, seemed outboxed and overshadowed by her opponent. The other boxer displayed superior technique and presence in the ring, leaving a distinct impression of dominance.
Yet, despite this, the outcome didn’t reflect the evident skill gap. While it’s accepted that victories aren’t always determined solely by performance, the desire for a rematch is palpable. A second encounter would not only settle any lingering doubts, but also provide an opportunity for both fighters to showcase their abilities on an even playing field, ensuring a fair and conclusive result.
As the final bell rang and the last fight concluded, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Another unforgettable night of boxing in the books, courtesy of United Boxing Promotions. What a night! United Boxing Promotions never disappoints. Can’t wait for the next one! Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long.
On Saturday April 27th, 2024, at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, rising star Sara Haghighat-Joo looks to make history, challenging Maria Bautista for the WBA LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, and Josh “The Boss” Wagner takes on 17-1 Geronimo Vazquez for the IBF International Welterweight Title. That night will also feature:
- Kemahl “Hitman Russell
- Gisu “Terminator” Lee
- Bradley “The Truth” Wilcox
- Joshua “Hell Razor” Frazer
- Daniel Almeida vs Drake Olchowecki
In the world of boxing, where every punch thrown carries the weight of a thousand stories, United Boxing Promotions reads as a book of boxing excellence, delivering unparalleled entertainment and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans.