Tag Archives: Hinckley Grand Casino

Q & A with RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) Duluth Minnesota’s pride, fights tomorrow in Hinckley..

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RJ Laase (left) Jones (right) photo courtesy, Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

Tomorrow night, Duluth Minnesota’s, RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) steps into the ring in Hinckley, MN for the second time. Nobody can forget his thrilling bout against then undefeated Justin Jones. In that fight Jones was the aggressor and Laase was the master. Non stop action with RJ winning by UD.. Many calling it early candidate for fight of the year! This time out T-Rex is granting James Wayka (16,11) his wish. Wayka has asked to fight Laase and the two were set to fight last October before Wayka pulled out. There has been some gamesmanship leading up to the fight and tonights weigh-in may be interesting… They fight tomorrow night, March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino! Below is a Q & A we had with T-Rex Laase.. Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

Many have said your fight with then undefeated Justin Jones is early candidate for fight of the year, what are your thoughts on that bout?

Laase….The Jones fight was a very fan friendly fight. To have people talking about MN fight of the year is a cool. We both left everything we had in the ring that night. I started out strong early, he came rallying back midway through and I shut the show down at the end.

 

How did it feel to go 8 rounds of live action?

Laase….I learned A LOT. I worked my butt off last camp as I do before every fight. I put in many more miles to prepare for those extra 2 rounds that I’ve never seen before. I’ve been sparring 8 straight with rotating fresh sparring partners for these last two camps to prepare for anything that might be presented in front of me.

You and Jason Hendrickson have been working together for over a year and a half, the progression has been noticeable, what has Jason brought to the table to bring your game to another level?

Laase….Jason couldn’t have been anymore of a perfect match for me. He knows what I do well and what I don’t do so well. Though he has really made a point to correct my mistakes he has never neglected on keeping what I do well polished. He has a good eye on catching mistakes my opponents make and we work on what to do to capitalize on those mistakes.

Uppercut boxing gym in Minneapolis and Lorenzi’s Boxing in Duluth have been your primary spots for training, how much has all the different types and sizes of sparring partners helped you grow in the ring?

Laase….I think it has helped me tremendously. I’ve been in with some of the best fighters the state has to offer. Better opposition brings out the better in you.

James Wayka (16,11) asked to fight you in October of 2011, and now he gets his shot.. How much do you know about Wayka and what should fans expect to see from your fight?

Laase….I’ve watched all the footage there is available on him. He’s been known to be a crafty boxer at times. He’s got the experience record wise on me, but I’m younger, hungrier, and overall believe I’m a better fighter than him. He may be the “bigger” guy but I’m confident that my conditioning, speed and power are on a whole other level right now. As for every fight I expect a win. No matter if it’s a KO or goes to the cards I vision my hand being raised as my name is announced.

Aside from your fight with Wayka, you’ve also been working on promoting a show in Superior, WI at Wessman arena. While you are not fighting on the show, how do you maintain focus on two very time consuming tasks and the pressure that comes with them?

Laase….The first two shows I promoted I fought on. I think some would agree I handle pressure quite well. The nice thing about the April 13th show is that I’ve been working on the show since the Monday following the Jones fight. I have a lot of stuff already taken care of way ahead of schedule on this show so I can really focus on my March 15th showdown with Wayka. The week before the fight I block out RJ the promoter and focus 100 percent on RJ the fighter.

What made you decide not to fight on your show?

Laase….A few different reasons; 1, I want to be able to sit back and enjoy the product I put together for once. 2, If I can’t see the mistakes or good things from the show first hand I won’t be able to fix what needs to be done. 3, I want to see how well a show does with out me on it. I don’t plan to fight forever and promoting is a second passion of mine that I want to continue to do after I hang em up. I need to make sure it’s something I can do successfully with out being the “draw”.

March 15, aside from your fight what should fans be looking forward to?

Laase….Another stellar show from RDS Boxing! Fort and Green on any card is always worth catching.

How would you like to see 2013 play out for T-Rex and T-Rex Promotions?

Laase….The goal is to stay healthy, active and get that 15th win. Which means a busy 8 months. As for the promotion I want to make my return to the twin ports on my September Wessman show.

Former MN Viking and Falcon, Ray Edwards (3,0) vs Van Goodman (2,3,2) March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino.

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Edwards is coming off a widely seen victory/flop… No fault to Edwards or promotion, a last minute sub just got scared! Seeing Edwards in a picture or on TV is one thing, stepping in the Ring with him is a whole other… Other than T. J. Gibson, Edwards opponents had lost during instructions. You could see the fear in their eyes the moment they looked UP at the rock solid former NFLer. Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

Edwards has had his share of critics, including yours truly… In fact when he first entered the ring two plus years ago I called it a circus act for the papers. Well, he proved he could go 4 rounds with a very game but much smaller TJ Gibson, even putting TJ down a couple times in the process, something that doesn’t happen to Gibson much. While Gibson is a natural Cruiser/light heavy, he is about as tough as they come, chin wise..

Although Mr. Edwards last two opponents were less than appealing and not near even the smaller Gibson’s quality or toughness, I’ve had a change in thought about the former Minnesota Viking. Although we did not get to see him for long in his last two, we saw him for long enough to know he has spent a ton of time in the boxing gym since he first entered the pro arena. His footwork and how he throws his punches has drastically changed for the better, he looks like a boxer! Again, that is much easier to do given his last two opponents, but the footwork and planting on punches was there.

Bring in Van Goodman (2,3,2), he has wanted Ray since before Edwards debut. While not pretty at first look, his record is against some pretty good opposition. Goodman had a nice amateur career and can box. His two victories came before the final bell. In Goodman, fans will get to see how Mr. Edwards does against a guy who can box. This fight is a great opportunity for both men. An impressive victory for Edwards puts him in the mix for some higher profile fights. Although he would still only be (4,0) his name recognition along with victories over two live opponents would leap-frog him over some maybe more worthy opposition for a number of fights. For Goodman, he takes out the former Viking and his name is all over the news nation wide and new doors along with restart of career are a real possibility. “The man who beat Ray Edwards” Van Goodman… Interesting match-up, even more interesting outcome for the winner… They fight tomorrow night at Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN…

March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino next stop for Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0) 8 by big time KO…

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Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0) is coming off of his 10th victory as a pro heavyweight. He has been one of Minnesota’s busiest fighters and things don’t look to slow down any time soon. He fights a featured bout against King Kong this Friday in Hinckley Minnesota. One month after Gorilla Green is slated to fight April 13 in the twin ports at Wessman Arena. For many fighters all this activity may be hard, but I’ve known Mr. Green since he turned pro, and he would be working his butt off fight or no fight.

Green (left) Abell (right)

Along with all the action team Green has been getting in the ring, they have also had to listen to the non stop speculation of a showdown with former Viking, Ray Edwards… While Green and his team have no worries of that fight, they are maintaining focus on what is real and in front of them. Edwards has a pretty big step up fight Friday night as well… But the big former NFLer has a lot of business to take care of before talks of Green are real.

Team Green has made a point of getting great work in for these fights, sparring with the best Minnesota has to offer in Raph Butler and Joey Abell. As those who have seen Mr. Green in the past know, he is worth a ticket and it will not be long before people are talking about and seeing him along side some of the nations top heavyweight prospects.

Below are a few Q & A questions with Mr. Green… Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

You recently achieved 10 wins, how did it feel?

Green….Getting 10 wins was one of my goals as a pro!! It was an awesome feeling that night. Getting to 10 has made me more hungry and motivated to keep the momentum going.

March 15, you face King Kong, a man who looks to equal you in size. Does his size change the way you prepare?

Green….No, his size doesn’t change too much. I have gotten much stronger these past few months and I feel it will help. Also, I like to bang and box, so I am looking forward to it.

I know your focus is on March 15, has all the Ray Edwards talk been something you spend any time thinking about?

Green….No, I try to stay away from all of that talk. It is a huge distraction to what I am trying to accomplish.

Your fight included, what should fans expect this Friday at Hinckley Grand Casino?

Green….Lots of HEART!! I have worked very hard this past year and I want to show people my dedication to this great sport! Also, there should be lots of good match ups.

See Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0), “Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1) RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) and more March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN…. 6 Pro boxing matches…

Camps peaking for March 15, Pro Boxing, Hinckley Grand Casino…

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Only a few more days of heavy sparring for those fighting March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN… RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1), Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0) and “Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1) all featured… Also fighting in Hinckley will be, former MN Viking, Ray Edwards vs Van Goodman, Winston “Nasty Time” Anderson, Rondale Hubbert and more… Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

Duluth, MN’s T-Rex was called out by James Wayka (16,11,1) and they should put on a great show…

T-Rex (left)

Gorilla Green will get in the ring with Raymond “King Kong” Ochieng (24,16,3)… King Kong is virtually the same size as Mr. Green… Should be some heavy hitting action… Green has been getting work in with Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (28,6) as he prepares for March 15.

Green (left) Abell (right)

Cloquet, MN’s, Nasty Time Anderson (2,0) takes on Branden Cluever (1,0) at 140 pounds.

Winston (left)

“Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1), taking big steps to be the best…

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Cerresso Fort

Cerresso Fort is coming off of his biggest victory to date, and after January 25 is probably one of Minnesota’s most fearless warriors… Over the last 9 months Fort has fought then undefeated Dave Peterson (13,0), Brandon Baue (12,7), and Andy Kolle (25,3), getting wins in all three.. He is set to face off against Dashon Johnson (13,10) at Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN. Fort flew out to DC and Las Vegas last week to get more world class sparring, in preparation for Johnson… We know team Fort will not be looking past Dashon Johnson, but we can….Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

“Sir” Fort has stamped his place atop of MN’s jr. middleweight division and in many’s eyes, middleweight top to bottom… Directly after Forts impressive victory over Kaos Kolle, rumors arose about a possible showdown with Minnesota’s top middleweight Caleb Truax.   There is also little doubt that there will be TV opportunities for Cerresso Fort once he gets through with his March 15… A fight with Truax could do both, TV and clear out the division.. Is that the right move if Fort wants to campaign at 154? What national opportunities will be offered to Fort? The pros and cons seem pretty equal on whatever Forts next move is… But Fort needs to take care of business March 15 first… And before thinking Dashon Johnson is just easy pickings, take a deeper look in to his record and the rounds he’s fought, even in his current losing streak..

We love the path Fort has been taking… Minnesota seems to be turning that corner in competition… Fort, Caleb Truax, RJ Laase, Jamal James, Andy Kolle, have all shown they are not fighting for give-me’s, and that is the only way to start gaining national attention beyond being a farm league of opponents.. More proof May 18, Jeremy McLaurin vs Tony Lee and Charles Meier vs Tyler Hultin… Thats how its done!!

Get out to the fights March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN…. Cerreso Fort, RJ Laase, Aaron Green, Ray Edwards, Winston Anderson, Rondale Hubbert, and much more… Tickets through your favorite fighter or ticketmaster…

 

March 15, Pro Boxing!! Grandma’s Duluth, MN and Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN….

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Duluth’s show is a pro/am featuring two pro fights, Boxrec, Jungle Boy Boxing.… Duluth’s Al Sands will be featured along with Brad Herroff of Saint Paul, MN.. Sands trainer/manager/promoter, Zach Walters has said Al will be making a big step up in competition but his opponent is still listed as the dreaded TBA….. Hopefully they do bring in a live body for Mr. Sands, again he is a rock solid 200 pounds with power and length… He is now (7,1) but never really tested other than his loss to TJ Gibson… Bringing in out of shape 40 year old welterweights and middleweights will make the record look nice but does nothing for experience… Brad Herroff looked great his last time out and at (2,0) we expect him to give another thrilling performance… Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

March 15 in Hinckley, MN has been matched for a while with some intriguing fights. Borec RDS Boxing.

Ray Edwards (right) Photo Courtesy Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

James Wayka (16,11,1) asked for Duluth, MN’s RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) after Wayka lost to Kaos Kolle at 154 pounds… Saying he wanted to fight at his stronger weight in the 140′s…. Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0) is fighting King Kong, a man who may even be bigger than Mr. Green… Another fight MANY are talking about, former MN Viking, Ray Edwards facing his second live opponent in Van Goodman… A statement will made, Edwards can prove he is a real challenge at heavy and ready to take it to the next level.. (Mr. Green?) or Goodman can stamp his name on national news… Two undefeated greenhorns in the ring, Winston “Nasty Time” Anderson (2,0) vs Branden Cluever (1,0)… “Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1) in the main event… Duluth’s Joey “The Don” Lorenzi, Rondale Hubbert and more…

Tonight, Friday Night Fights in Duluth MN, amateur boxing at Clyde Iron, Lorenzi’s Boxing.

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Look for some great amateur boxing at Clyde Iron tonight in Duluth, MN… Joe Lorenzi of Lorenzi’s boxing has matched a great night of fights… There will also be some pro boxers in the house.. T-Rex will be enjoying the action. Both He and Joe Lorenzi fight March 15 in Hinckley, MN… They will have tickets for their pro fights… March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino, features, Duluth’s RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1), “Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1), Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0), Cloquet’s Winston “Nasty Time” Anderson (2,0), Duluth’s Joey “The Don” Lorenzi and much more….Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter. We are still working on our twitter, but FB is very active…

Van Goodman (2,3,2) to be Ray Edwards next opponent… March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino…

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This will be former NFLer Ray Edwards stiffest test since his first fight vs Gibson… Goodman is a true heavy and has been boxing for years.. Great opportunity for Goodman and great chance for Edwards to show he is a real up and coming Heavy. March 15, Hinckley Grand Casino, Hinckley, MN… Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter.

Goodman (right) Photo courtesy of Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

Duluth Minnesota’s, RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) to be a part of March 15th Hinckley Grand Casino Friday night fights…

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RJ Laase (right), courtesy Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

Laase (10,1) is coming off the biggest victory of his young career after beating then undefeated Justin Jones in Hinckley, MN, January 25…. For the latest Follow MNBoxingLeague on facebook and twitter.

So far March 15 at Hinckley Grand Casino looks to have; “Sir” Cerresso Fort (15,0,1), Aaron “Gorilla” Green (10,0), RJ “T-Rex” Laase (10,1) and more… We also expect to see Ray Edwards, Winston Anderson, and Joe Lorenzi… More information as it comes…

 

Kolle, Eyer, and Orozco come away with big wins.

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Photos by SnapLocally.com

 

Vanda (left) Kolle (right), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Vanda (left) Kolle (right), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Hinckley Grand Casino hosted another night of great boxing action. There was all out war between Tyler Hultin and Tim Taggart, Hector Orozco stunned the crowd with a huge upset, Gary Eyer showed to be a beast at 126, and Andy Kolle added more proof to why most people have him as one of Minnesota’s finest and somebody who should soon be making a splash on the national scene. Oh yeah, and the ring came crashing down two fights into the night. I heard reports that last night was the largest selling boxing event Hinckley Grand Casino has had and the volume of the fans during Eyer/Patraw and Kolle/Vanda sure seem to attest to that. Below is a quick rundown of last nights events. Laura Zink will also have a report coming later today or tomorrow with more pictures and comments from some of the fighters.

 

 

Tyler Hultin Draw Tim Taggart (D48,47Hultin/48,47Taggart/48,48) – Probably the fight of the night. Andy Kolle was right when he predicted that you wouldn’t want to close your eyes for even a second in this one. This fight started with bad intentions in every pop, both guys were seemingly looking for the home run from the get-go. As the fight progressed both fighters seemed to find their fight. Taggart was sticking to trying to overpower with almost every shot while Hultin was using superior boxing skill. During round 4 Hultin went for the fences and the force of his swing put him on his backside and was ruled a slip. As rounds 4 and 5 went on both fighters lost much of the zip on their punches but were still working hard. I had the fight 3 rounds to 2 in favor of Hultin but had no problem with it being ruled a Draw. Great fight.

 

Copp (left) Tierney (right) Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Copp (left) Tierney (right) Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Don Tierney over Dan Copp (SD40,36Tierney/40,36Copp/39,38Tiernery) – This was a back and forth fight with Donny Drama using better boxing skill and stiffer shots to win the day. It was not a pretty fight but both guys went after it even as they were lacking in strength and stamina towards the end.

 

Eyer (right) landing a huge right, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Eyer (right) landing a huge right, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Gary Eyer over Brad Patraw (TKO 1:16 2nd) -” Take my breathaway” , That was Eyer’s entrance music for this night and thats just what he did to the fans and Patraw. For the time that it was going on, it was all action. Eyer looked very strong at his new weight and put Patraw down three times in the one and a half rounds they fought. Patraw landed some good shots of his own but Eyer was just overpowering. Some fans were disappointed with the stoppage as was Patraw and his trainers, but talking to several ringside officials, they agreed with the stoppage stating a fighters safety comes first. All action while it lasted, fun fight. It will be interesting to see what is next for Gary “Take My Breath Away” Eyer.

 

Hector Orozco

Hector Orozco

 

Hector Orozco over Jeremy McLaurin (UD60,54/58,56/59,55) – To me, this fight looked a lot like their first bout and add two rounds. Orozco looked even more smothering this time and would not stay out of McLaurins face. Many were surprised that like the last fight McLaurin did not use his big height and reach advantage, but in talking with McLaurin it seems Orozco never gave him an opportunity to get that distance. The fight was Hector Orozco stalking McLaurin around the ring for 6 rounds. Jeremy McLaurin did land some big shots but not enough and not nearly enough of the jab. Great win for Orozco.

 

Andy "Kaos" Kolle, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Andy "Kaos" Kolle, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Andy Kolle over Matt Vanda (UD99,92/97,93/99,92) – Andy “Kaos” Kolle left little doubt last night as to who the best middleweight in the state is. He not only retained his title but almost won every round on many peoples scorecards. I had it 9 rounds to 1 or 8 rounds to 2, to be fair a couple rounds were close. The fight was not like Kolle/Vanda one, Kolle was a machine that fired in straight hard lines and Vanda could never get it figured out. To Vanda’s credit, he was there all night long eating and throwing punches. Most of the fight was Vanda trying to work through Kolles defence while Kolle was shooting a great jab and hard straight lefts. By the last few rounds Vanda’s corner was yelling for the KO as they knew Kolle was way ahead on the scorecards. After the fight Kolle stated his wish to campaign at 154 nationally but also understanding that givin his size, and southpaw stance it is still an uphill climb. Id love to see Kolle get an opportunity with a John Duddy or Julio Cesar Chaves Jr but I’m not too sure if they would be willing to step in with him.

 

MSC, RDS, and Hickley Grand Casino worked together again to put on a great show even with a ring collapse.

 

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