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United Boxing Promotions finally back after a summer break; I don’t think we were ready!
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Let me tell you, I was way too excited for this night! Boxing events are always a vibe, and you know I had to make sure I looked the part. I am a girly girl through and through, so picking out the perfect outfit? That was a whole process! I needed something stylish, yet comfortable, because boxing events are always so mad extra! Plus, I was going to see some amazing people I had not caught up with forever.
That’s right, boxing fans. The date was circled in red on my calendar—Friday, September 20th, 2024. United Boxing Promotions was finally back after a summer break, ready to bring us the highly anticipated fight between Chakria Singh and Lukasz Maciec. I want to take a moment before going any further to introduce the incredible sponsors: Pickering Casino Resort, Verdi Alliance, Grant’s Gym Toronto, G & J Sehota’s, CM Dynamics, and Durham LIVE.
The night had everything—hype, top-tier matchups, and all the energy of a proper boxing night in the GTA, and this time, I was finally going to be a part of it all! The fun, the excitement, and the buzz of live boxing—it was all happening, and I was so ready!
United Boxing Promotions fight night at the Pickering Casino Resort, was going to be headlined by reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (18-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-7-1, 5 KO).
Yes, yes, I had to tackle the dreaded Highway 401 from out west, so of course, the security team from United Boxing Promotions clowned me for being late and missing the Evan Gillard vs Matias Medina fight. Thankfully, I was just in time for the Milad Zareuab (3 – 0) vs Hubert Krasuski (1 – 5 – 1) fight.
Even though Milad Zareuab is relatively new to the boxing world, his progression from fight to fight is evident. One thing I must credit him for is his ability to listen to his corner. His adaptability and willingness to learn demonstrate the importance of being a good student in the sport of boxing. Milad’s recent victory, achieved through a TKO, is a testament to his growth and dedication, adding yet another win to his record.
Then there was Kyle McLaughlin (5 – 0 – 1) vs Fernando Bravo (4 – 2 – 1), and what a fight that was. When Kyle McLaughlin stepped into the ring, his stature may have been smaller, but don’t let that fool you. There is an aura that radiates off him—a presence that demands attention, and tonight, that presence was amplified as he made his entrance to Jidenna’s ‘Long Live the Chief.‘ The song speaks volumes about leadership, power, and dominance, and McLaughlin embodied every word.
It was clear from the moment the music hit: he wasn’t just stepping into the ring; he was stepping in as the boss. You could feel the intensity shift. His opponent, like everyone in the room, knew that McLaughlin was there to conquer, and conquer he did. From the first round to the last, Kyle delivered a brutal, relentless assault. Punch after punch—each one calculated, each one landing with precision. His aggressive display left no room for doubt. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about domination. By the time the final blow landed, it was over. His opponent was left crippled, and Kyle stood tall. It was, without a doubt, my favourite fight of the night. Kyle McLaughlin proved, once again, that size doesn’t define power. Tonight, he was the chief.
The Championship Co-Feature saw number one ranked contender Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool (7-0, 2 KO, WBA #1) clash with Natasha ‘The Nightmare’ Spence (8-6-2, 6 KO, WBA #8) for the WBA International Middleweight Championship. I wanted to take a moment to express my disappointment.
As a fellow Jamaican-Canadian, I had high hopes for Natasha. I have had the privilege of speaking with her about the challenges she has faced in securing fights and the perseverance she’s shown throughout her career. I was genuinely rooting for her, hoping to see her at the top of her game, delivering a performance that would make us all proud. However, from the very beginning of the match, it became clear that Melinda was in control. Her dominance was evident, and it was disheartening to see Natasha struggle to find her rhythm. We all know that boxing can be unpredictable, but this was not the showcase I hoped for.
Despite the outcome, I believe in Natasha’s potential. She is shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I hope she takes this experience back to the drawing board. With renewed confidence and determination, I trust she can come back stronger than ever. We need to keep supporting her on this journey, because I believe she has what it takes to rise again.
Finally, what the fight fans were waiting for, the fight between the reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (19-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-8-1, 5 KO). As usual, Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh burst onto the scene, a true spectacle of flames and flags, embodying the spirit of Sikh pride. The energy in the arena was electric as he stepped into the ring, ready to showcase his skills.
Sukhdeep stood confidently across from his opponent, who looked tense. The bell rang, and the fight began. In the ring, Sukhdeep methodically picked his opponent apart, delivering calculated blows that made his rival suffer with each strike. It’s a masterclass in technique and strategy. What sets Sukhdeep apart is his adaptability. Like Milad, he listens to his corner, adjusting his game plan with every round. He reads the fight like a chess match, always two steps ahead.
Here’s the thing—I want to see a huge finish from Sukhdeep. I appreciate his technical prowess, but as any true fight fan knows, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a knockout! That’s what gets the fans on their feet! If you don’t believe me, just look at the electrifying clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. The tension, the power, the drama! That’s the kind of finish that leaves everyone talking.
Let’s hope Sukhdeep can deliver that explosive moment. The fans are ready for it, and so is he. The stage is set for something spectacular. Stay tuned, because when Sukhdeep steps up, anything can happen, and when it does, you won’t want to miss a second of it!
Ontario boxing fans are in for an electrifying fall with United Boxing Promotions delivering an action-packed lineup! On October 19th, 2024, the highly anticipated IBF International Welterweight Championship showdown between the undefeated Josh Wagner (18-0) and formidable contender Tom Hill (12-3-0) is set to headline the night.
Adding to the excitement, the co-main event features Mark Smithers (12-1-0) battling Helmand Meran Alekozai (14-0) for the Canadian Super Lightweight Championship. The undercard promises more fireworks, with Jamaicans: Ricardo Brown and Joshua Frazer, Gisu Lee at super featherweight, and Michael Cabato in a thrilling featherweight bout. Don’t miss the chance to witness these exhilarating fights—learn more at United Boxing Promotions’ https://unitedpromotions.ca/