Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Quick look at June’s Pro Boxing dates…

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Here is the June 16 card as it stands today. Boxrec.com Hyatt, Minneapolis MN.

Promoter RDS

Jason Litzau (28,3) vs TBA 8 rounds

Brad Patraw (7,4) vs Dustin Mason (3,0) 6 rounds

Aaron Green (5,0) vs TJ Gibson (1,2) 6 rounds

Don Tierney (4,4) vs Bobby Butters (1,1) 5 rounds

Rob Brant (debut) vs Cheyenne Ziegler (3,7) 4 rounds

Silas Ortley (4,13) vs Stephen Watt (Debut) 4 rounds

Aaron Green land huge right (Green fights June 16) photo Courtesy, Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

Really looking forward to seeing Jason Litzau back in action in MN. Patraw vs Mason has been brewing ever since Mason turned pro, should be fireworks. Green vs Gibson may be Green’s stiffest challenge yet (Gibson KOed Al Sands last fall). Everyone is excited to see what amateur standout Rob Brant will do as a pro…..

 

Here is the June 23 card as it stands today. Boxrec.com June 23, Black Bear Casino, Carlton, MN.

Jungle Boy and Draw Events

Al Sands (3,1) vs TBA ? rounds

Cerresso Fort (12,0,1) vs Dave Peterson (13,0) ? rounds

Michael Faulk (2,1) vs Richard Hargraves (2,0,1) ? rounds

Davalance Depoe (Debut) vs John Kingbird (Debut) ? rounds

Jerome LeBarge (Debut) vs Matthew Karaja (Debut) ? rounds

Fort vs Peterson could be interesting, new weight for Fort and Peterson has only one fight since 2009. Sands will look to continue to rebuild from his stunning loss to Gibson last fall, his handlers got him a quick win and it will be interesting to see what they feel he is ready for. Faulk has been in training camps with some of the best, love to see what he has. The rest of the card is unknowns. Tried all the normal fight information sites but nothing, have to go and find out…..

 

Andy “Kaos” Kolle (24,3) and Tyler “The Hitman” Hultin working towards April 7 at Wessman Arena

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Kaos Kolle and Hitman Hultin will be getting work in together over the next few days as they each prepare for their returns to the ring. Both men are coming off of impressive stoppage victories this past October. T-Rex Promotions presents, Pro Boxing April 7 at Wessman Arena in Superior WI.

T-Rex Promotions April 7, Wessman Arena, Superior WI.

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Andy “Kaos” Kolle (24,3), RJ “T-Rex” Laase (7,1), Aaron “Gorilla” Green (4,0), Tyler Hultin, Dustin Mason, Winston Anderson, all fighting. RJ Laase has asked Cory Rapacz to match this card. I have already heard rumblings of some very fun fights being kicked around. Stay tuned as contracts get signed….

 

 

Aaron “Gorilla” Green (4,0) announces he will be fighting April 7 at Wessman Arena in Superior WI.

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T-Rex Promotions has some BIG additions to their card. 6 foot 4 and 270 pound Heavyweight sensation, Aaron “Gorilla” Green, has just announced he will be fighting on April 7 at Wessman Arena in Superior WI. Coming off of a first round KO victory this past Friday, Green and his team are excited to keep him busy. Gorilla Green has fought in the twin ports a couple times in the past, always leaving the fans knowing they are watching the beginning of something special. T.J. Gibson was possibly going to be his opponent but Gibson excepted a kickboxing bout for April. Stay tuned, we will continue to give updates as the Wessman Arena card fills. RJ Laase, of Duluth MN, is really pulling all the stops to make his entry in to promoting boxing something to remember. With tickets starting at the fan friendly price of $10, this show just keeps getting better!!

 

 

Dustin “BullDog” Mason set to return to the ring April 7

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Duluth, MN….Dustin “BullDog” Mason is eager and ready to get back after it in the ring. He is coming off of two thrilling KO victories and ready to unleash some more bombs in a little over a month. We plan on catching up with BullDog, as well as all the combatants fighting April 7. Tickets to the show that will be held at Wessman Arena in Superior WI go on sale this week. T-Rex Promotions plans on starting things of with a bang

 

RDS Boxing’s first solo promotion comes tonight. Aaron Green, Tony Lee, and Cerresso Fort will all be featured.

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Aaron "Gorilla" Green

RDS Boxing’s first promotion will be taking place tonight. The key members of the promotional team have been around the game for quite some time, but in the past had always been partnered with another promotional company. Boxing fans in the Midwest have been starved for professional boxing action over the last couple of years and have the remaining members of RDS to thank for half of the action over that time. Right now, they are also the only active promotion in MN. I say all of this, because fans need to get out and support live action while they can and maybe be apart of getting more boxing on the calendar.

 

Tonight’s fights…. I believe this card originally was to boast 6 action packed fights, however, as is true all too often in this sport, the business of boxing got in the way of a few fight possibilities. Brad Patraw was slated to be on this card but when his original opponent fell out, his team would not approve several options given to them by matchmaker Cory Rapacz. As of a little over a week out I know team Patraw was given options of Dustin Mason and others but did not want to face them with only a week to prepare. I have heard rumors that there should be some fun surprises tonight to add to the 4 official fights.

 

Cerresso Fort 158 vs. Cheyenne Ziegler 161 – Fort can be a very exciting fighter with vicious aggression at times. Not sure if Ziegler can handle more than a couple rounds of Cerresso, but will admit I don’t think I have ever watched Cheyenne go.
Aaron Green 267 vs. John Moxey 220 – I Will always pay to see Gorilla Green go, he is worth the price of admission. Jesse Kelly of MinnesotaBoxing.com added more interest to this fight with his write-up on Moxey. Moxey may be 5 inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter but talks as though Green should be the one worried, he even mentions David vs Galiath. I see Green ending this early, I like Moxey’s moxy, but feel Aaron has a ton of skill and potential.
Tony Lee 135 vs. Joel Flores 135 - I see this as fight of the night and should go the distance. Lee has a ton of talent and will want to one-up what Jeremy McLaurin was able to do in his victory over Flores.
Donny Tierney 152 vs. Nick Compton 153 - One word, Action.

St. Paul Brawl Press Release

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Truax Out for Revenge against Williams!
 
For Immediate Release

calebtony

St. Paul, MN (April 21, 2010) – When Osseo’s Caleb Truax dropped a devastating decision to Minneapolitan Phil Williams in the 2005 Minnesota Golden Gloves, his sights were set on immediate revenge. Mission failed. Williams jolted to the professional ranks just one year later and Truax followed shortly thereafter.
 
“I always wanted payback”, Truax said looking back to the defeat from five years ago. “The problem was he turned pro before the next Golden Gloves tournament so it wasn’t possible.”
 
This Friday at the St. Paul Armory, Truax will have his long awaited shot at redemption; though it won’t be easy. As professionals, the two Minnesotans have taken different paths. Williams, 11-3 (10 KO’s), is recognized for his devastating one punch power. He knocked a number of opponents out cold, becoming a YouTube hit in the process, but has suffered three setbacks of his own.
 
At 14-0 (9 KO’s), Truax is a gifted boxer-puncher known for thoroughly punishing opponents before ending their night. With the always dangerous Williams eager to get back on track following two tough defeats, Truax recognizes the importance of sticking to the game plan.
 
“I feel that I will outbox him” said the University of Minnesota graduate. “I respect his power but he doesn’t throw the sharpest punches, so I don’t think he will be able to catch me. He will feel my power if anything because I have nine knockouts and have stopped some rugged opponents.”
 
In addition to personal bragging rights, the winner can claim to be the top local fighter with Minnesota’s State Super Middleweight championship set to be on the line in this highly anticipated ten round main event.
 
The co-feature matches up dynamic power punching heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell of Coon Rapids, MN against Iowa based veteran Josh Gutcher. Abell, 25-4 (24 KO’s), is amongst the hardest hitters in boxing. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds, but most expect the outcome to be out of the judges’ hands.
 
Also scheduled to appear on the undercard are Ismail Muwendo, David Laque, Antwon Robertson, James Owen, Charles Meier and Dan Copp.
 
In addition, two MMA bouts as well as a four round boxing exhibition are slated to take place on this action packed night.
 
Tickets for the “St. Paul Brawl” are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP and are available at ticketweb.com. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bell is slated for 8.
 
The St. Paul Armory is located at 600 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101.
When retired professional boxer Tony Grygelko found himself unable to stay out of the gym, he realized that his passion for boxing was undeniable. At age 29, Grygelko formed Seconds Out Promotions. By utilizing the vast boxing knowledge of world-class trainer Ron Lyke, Grygelko and Seconds Out quickly became a hit.
Through determination, integrity and hard work, Seconds Out strives to become a top promotional firm by giving young fighters the ability to showcase their talents to a worldwide audience, along with offering fans the highest quality of entertainment. Seconds Out is committed to recruitment and development of the best and brightest young fighters to help achieve our mission.
Seconds Out Promotions’ current stable of pugilists includes undefeated prospects “Golden” Caleb Truax, Marcus Oliveria, Michael Faulk, Ismail Muwendo, dynamite fisted Heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell, Willshaun Boxley, Charles Meier, Jon “The Ironman” Schmidt, and Mohammed Kayongo.

Phil Williams Press Release / April 23 full card at bottom

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Phil Williams Prepares for Minnesota Super Middleweight Title Fight
For Immediate Release

 

(Photo Credit: Becky Olstad, beckyolstad.com)

(Photo Credit: Becky Olstad, beckyolstad.com)

Minneapolis,MN- With the Super Six Boxing Classic underway Minnesota will get a taste of it’s own super middleweight action when fan favorite Phil Williams(11-3) battles Caleb Truax(14-0) for the state super middleweight belt April 23 at the St. Paul Armory.

Williams kicked off a six week camp recently to prepare for what he considers the most important fight of his career. Coming off of losses to Matt Vanda, and Donovan George Williams aims to redirect his career, while standing by his mission to fight the best.

“After losing to George I was throwing punches in my sleep, I’m a fighter, I can’t give this up. I can still do anything the rest of these guys can do, I feel good enough to fight until I’m 40” Williams noted on the opening day of camp.
Truax, an undefeated prospect, was bested by Williams in the amateur ranks, but has since compiled a flawless professional record including a WBF middleweight title win over Kerry Hope in November.

Truax-Williams will be a ten round affair with the Minnesota Super Middleweight title on the line. Tickets are available at ticketweb.com, and are 25$ general admission, and 75$ VIP.

With break neck power in either hand Phil Williams quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota. Recording an impressive 80% knockout rate in his first ten bouts, Williams now aims to share the ring with the highest quality opposition available.
Training at the Uppercut Gym under Jacque Davis Williams holds impressive knockout wins over Marcus Upshaw, and Antwun Echols and brought Grand Casino Hinckley record attendance numbers during his bout with Matt Vanda in 2009.

…………………..

Tony Grygelko  sent me Friday’s line-up yesterday.

 

10rds
Caleb Truax (14-0, 9 KOs) Osseo, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=387857&cat=boxer
Vs.
Phil Williams (12-3, 11 KOs) Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=355629&cat=boxer

8rds
Joey Abell  (25-4, 24 KOs) Coon Rapids, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=327656&cat=boxer
Vs.
Josh Gutcher (18-11, 13 KOs) Albia, IA
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=31200&cat=boxer

MMA
Travis Reddinger (10-2) St Paul, Minnesota
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=3890E9B92
1FEA1C1
Vs.
Elias Jones (0-2) Britton, South Dakota
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=4C7CB3379
1642B30

Zach Juusola (2-0) Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=7BD3278AE
F49179C
Vs.
Shaine  Emmons (Pro Debut)

http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=E96C468C5
2362996

 6rds
Ismail Muwendo (4-0, 3 KOs) Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=482652&cat=boxer
Vs.
David Laque (2-3-1, 2 KOs) Bloomington, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=497070&cat=boxer

4rds
Antwon Robertson (6-1, 4 KOs) Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=422742&cat=boxer
Vs.
James Owen (3-0, 2 KOs) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=519803&cat=boxer

4rds
Charles Meier (3-1, 2 KOs) Coon Rapids, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=483022&cat=boxer
Vs.
Dan Copp (1-3, 0 KOs) Mankato, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=500134&cat=boxer

Exhibition
4rds
Derek Winston (2-0, 0 KOs) Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=514963&cat=boxer
 Vs.
Jake Backus (0-1) Arden Hills, Minnesota
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=511625&cat=boxer

“Golden” Caleb Truax, “I’ve prepared well and am ready for Phil.”

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Caleb Truax (left), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Caleb Truax (left), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Minnesota’s own version of last man standing has been going strong over the last year and “Golden” Caleb Truax isn’t going to miss his chance at entering the mix. The last 13 months have been filled with the best MN fighters going after each other in an effort to separate from the rest. Well, April 23 will be the next installment of  BIG MN vs MN fights. “Golden” Caleb Truax(14,0) will be taking on one of Minnesota’s most dangerous punchers in Phil “The Drill” Williams (11,3). Truax took some time to answer a few questions about his fight with The Drill as well as some other topics below.

 
M….I know you had to take a little time away from boxing because of the cut you suffered in your last fight in November, how are you feeling?

 
Truax….I feel great! I’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this fight and have had no problems with my eye. I’m ready to get busy!

 
 
M….Your fight with Kerry Hope was great! What are your thoughts on that fight now?

 

Truax….I think it was a great learning experience for me. I had to push myself in a hard 10rd fight with a good opponent.

 
M….I have become accustom to seeing your name on various magazines and websites, how does it feel to be getting some out of state attention?

 

Truax….I don’t pay too much attention to all that stuff. It obviously helps with exposure but you know what they say, don’t read your own headlines.

 
M….Last I heard, your fight with Phil Williams will be at 164lbs max, what weight do you see your future at in boxing?

 

Truax….Middleweight

 
M….There are a few fighters here in Minnesota who have a large vocal following. You are one of those guys, what do you think has helped you get such great fans?

 

Truax….Well alot of those people you hear screaming at my fights aren’t my fans, they’re my friends I grew up with who still support me today. As far as my fans go I think I’m just a people person. I’m very approachable and treat people with respect and I get that respect and support in return.

 
M….I have heard rumbles from fans who would like to see you fight Matt Vanda. I know you guys not only share a gym, but also have the same trainer, is this a fight that just cant happen?

 
Truax….Matt is a great dude and has helped me tremendously with my career, that being said, I think its a fight that could happen soon. We’ve talked about it with one another and both agree that if it makes $$$, it makes sense.

 
M….Your fight with The Drill was on many fans wish lists, were you involved in making it or were you told he was the man you would be fighting?

 

Truax….I wanted a big in-state fight and Kost and Kolle didn’t work out and we knew Phil would step up so Tony G put it together.

 

M….What are your thoughts on Phil Williams? Will he be the biggest puncher you have been in with to date?

 

Truax….I have nothing but respect for Phil because thats all he has shown me. I know his power is nothing to under estimate and I guess we’ll see on the 23rd if he’s the most powerful I’ve been in with.

 
M….What sort of fight are you expecting April 23?

 

Truax….I expect to control the fight. This is my 1st fight fight in a while in which I know exactly what to expect coming in. No opponent changes, plenty of film to watch. I’ve prepared well and am ready for Phil.

 
 
M….Do you have your sites set on any road fights in the near future?

 

Truax….Right now we are building up steam here in MN and trying to grow my fan base so I don’ mind if I have more fights here at home. I definitely would like to get back on the road in the near future though.

 

 
M….How would you describe your relationship with your trainer Ron Lyke?

 

Truax…..(Ron-manager, Tom Halstad-trainer, Jim Maurine-cutman)

I have a tight relationship with my entire team. I have been with everyone I am with today since day 1. I think its rare in boxing that a fighter trusts and is friends with his entire team. Ron is my manager and I trust him to lead my career in the right direction as he has so far. Tom Halstad is my trainer and I feel the same way about him. Along with my cutman/punching bag Jim Maurine and promoter Tony G, we are all ready to take this thing to the next level.

 
M…. Where do you expect to see yourself a year from now in your boxing career?

 

Truax….Unbeaten and becoming a household name in MN sports.

 

M…. Thanks for giving us some time, is there anything you would like to add?

 

Truax….Thank you for your time and to all my friends and fans: thank you and come check me out April, 23 at the Saint Paul Armory. It will be a great fight!

 

“Golden” Caleb Truax vs Phil “The Drill” Williams, Friday, April 23, St. Paul Armory.

Here are some prior interviews we have had with Caleb Truax.

 

4-1-09 Caleb Truax

9-19-09 Caleb Truax

Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell Interview, Abell fights April 23 in St. Paul MN and May 29 in Africa

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Joey Abell, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Joey Abell, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (25,4) is set to face Josh Gutcher (18,11) April 23 at the St. Paul Armory as part of the Truax/Williams show. Minnesota Ice also has a date at Nelson Mandela Memorial Stadium in Kampala Uganda May 29. Coming off the controversy from his last fight December 4, Ice is looking to get back into the ring in a big way. Minnesota’s heaviest hitter took some time to answer a few questions from The League below.

 

M….Its now been more than 4 months since your fight with Butler, do you have any final thoughts from that night?

 

 

Joey Abell

Joey Abell

Abell….

No not really, I have put that behind me. I try and learn from my mistakes but a lot of what happens in the ring is instinct, adrenalin, and or rage. Thats why your taught to follow the ref’s instructions.

 
M….Do you see a rematch with Butler in your future?

 

Abell….I don’t think so. There hasn’t been any interest from either camp since the fight and a bit of hostility still exist. I would certainly fight Butler again if the terms were right.

 
M…. Has it been difficult waiting and watching as the various changes  have happened with your upcoming fight in Africa?

 

Abell….It has been difficult both mentally and physically. I have been training hard for months now and thats very tough on the body. You should only train hard for 4 weeks before a fight, so as the date keeps getting pushed back I have to continue to train. Hopefully we have it right now and I am ready for the next two fights.

 

M….At first it sounded as though you may face Francois Botha, do you think you may get a shot at the winner of Botha/Holyfield?

 

 

Abell…. That depends on what happens tonight in Las Vegas. If its a snoozer probably not, but it could end up very exciting and a match with Botha in Africa (should he win) might be a huge draw because he is from South Africa and he has a huge following.

 
M….Tony Grygelko informed us that your contracts have been signed for a fight May 29 in Africa, will you still be fighting Al Cole? If so, how much motivation will be gained from your first fight with him?

 

 

Abell….The May 29th date should be good. We just signed the contract and I have received some up front money. Money is usually a good indicator if the fight is on. Al Cole is still the opponent and I am extremely motivated to fight him again. He was a bit cocky after the last fight and I look forward to fighting 10 three minute rounds if it lasts that long.

 
M…. How close do you think you are to getting at some of the top guys in the heavyweight division?

 

Abell….Our plan is move into that category after four more fights following Africa. We expect to start challenging in the top twenty in less than a year.

 
M….Given the madness of December 4 and all that happened, how eager are you to get back to the business of boxing on April 23?

 

 

Abell….I am very anxious, its been too long for me. I love boxing, the crowds, and of course the money.

 
M….Do you know much about your opponent?

 

Abell….Just from clips that are available on the internet. He has fought some quality opponents and I am definitely not taking him lightly. I have learned that lesson.

 

M….You are one of the fighters frequently spotted at boxing events here in Minnesota, are there any MN guys you are particularly interested in following?

 

Abell…. I am a huge boxing fan and especially like to watch Minnesota Boxers. Its kind of a club here because its still in its early stages of development. Caleb is of course fun to watch because we train at the same facility. It has been a bit frustrating though trying to get good matches and crowds in Minnesota. I am not sure if its because we don’t really have experienced and established promoters or the fan base just isn’t here. I suspect its the former.

 

M….How busy of a year do you see for yourself?

 

Abell….We are planning on 3 or more fights after the Africa fight. Maybe 1 of those will be overseas but nothing is firm yet.

 
M…. Where do you hope to be a year from now in boxing?

 
 

Abell….Well assuming I keep winning, I expect to be challenging the top twenty in the heavyweight division. I have no interest in being a club fighter so I will keep looking toward the top and see how far I can go.

 
M….I have always been hugely impressed with your power, but in a recent interview with Tony Grygelko, he said your speed is very hard to match in a big man. What would you describe as your greatest strengths in the ring?

 

 

Abell…. I think my biggest asset as a heavyweight fighter is my athleticism, being able to move in the ring gives me a great advantage over the slower heavyweights.