Tag Archives: Tony Grygelko

Tony Grygelko (Seconds Out Promotions) answers questions about Caleb Truax, Joey Abell and MN Boxing

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Tony Grygelko (second from left), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Tony Grygelko (second from left), Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

M….Seconds Out Promotions has been very busy the last couple years, how hard has it been putting so many shows together?

 

Tony Grygelko…. Our team has put a tremendous amount of hard work in over the years and there has been struggles along the way but we have never stopped our progression towards becoming not just the best fight promotion in the Midwest but to be considered one of the best in the world. Our endeavor has been no different than any other company trying to make it in this volatile economy and we have been able to keep growing because we understand that in today’s market you need to be innovative and have the ability to change the mold of the industry that you are working in. We have branched into promoting hybrid events which have included both boxing and MMA, along with launching into the MMA market as a whole. We have provided true value to our fighters that we have represented and most of all, we have provided our fan base with some of the most exciting events that Minnesota has ever seen.

 

 
M…..You are now quite active in MMA as well as boxing. I am a fan of both sports but that does not always seem to be the case with boxing fans and MMA fans, why do you think that is? And do you thinking working with both sports helps fans from the other to gain more understanding and enjoyment from each combat sport?

 

Tony Grygelko…. What I see with MMA is a younger age demographic that has a hunger for a high impact and fast paced sport to fill their entertainment needs and that is exactly what MMA  brings them but I think we have witnessed a big change in the fight fans over the year. By exposing the younger demographic to the sport of boxing we have created a more complete fight fan who comes to both of our events to enjoy the explosive matchups. 

 
M….What is the story with Joey Abell’s fight in Africa, is that fight still happening?

 

Tony Grygelko…. It sure is! We just signed the contract yesterday and the fight will now be taken place on May 29th.
 

M….I have talked with several fighters who have felt Abell’s power and they all confirm it to be world class, what do you see in Joey Abell’s future?

 

Tony Grygelko….  I think Joey has all of the attributes to become a champion and his power is like nothing most people in boxing have ever seen but I the most over looked skill that Joey has is his speed. There is nobody in boxing today that is as big as Joe that can match his hand speed.

 
M….”Golden” Caleb Truax, what comes to mind?

 

Tony Grygelko….  Total package!! Not just a the total package of a boxing champion but the total package of a amazing person. He dedication to self improvement is what makes him very special. The kid is truly “Golden”!

 

 
M…. I along with many others have noticed Truax’s rapid growth over the last year, what do you attribute that to?

 

Tony Grygelko….  It’s because he understands that he is only as good as the people he surrounds himself with. He has great people in his corner that make consistent efforts to help him and Caleb understands the value of them. When I say people in his corner I don’t just mean his management or his trainers, it’s also his family, friends, and most of all his fans!

 
M….I thought Kerry Hope was a great victory for Truax, what are your thoughts from that fight and Kerry Hope as a fighter?

 

Tony Grygelko…. I think we saw exactly what we wanted to see. Caleb was in a tough fight that challenged him to learn after each round, that’s the type of fights you need are building towards a championship.  Kerry Hope could have beaten any other middleweight in the state that night, he just happened to run into the best of them all.

 

M….You guys answered many a fans request by putting on Truax vs Williams, how did this fight come together?

 

Tony Grygelko….  Well Caleb and Phil are in my mind the best middleweights in the state. I know Phil has struggled over his last couple of fights but he has now found a new focus and I believe we are going to see a new Phil Williams on April 23rd.

 
M….What do you see this fight doing for its winner?

 

Tony Grygelko….Well I would love to see Kolle step up and fight either one of these fighters. I don’t think he could last one round with fighters that possess the power that both Caleb and Phil have. Remember the Paul Williams fight!!! I really don’t think that fight will happen so I think the winner of the April 23 fight will look to get out on the national scene.

 

M….Do you have the rest of the card rounded out? Or any hints as to what other fights we may see?

 

Tony Grygelko….Well we had Marcus LeVesseur and Mike Richman slated to compete in MMA action but they had the UFC tryouts and well let’s just say they won’t be able to fight on the 23rd.  As for the boxing we are looking to put Jon, Charles, and Ismail to a test. We are also happy to announce that we will have Antwon Robertson and Derek Winston on the card. Both these fighters are original products of Lyke’s Boxing Gym.

 

M….The last couple of years have been quite active in Minnesota boxing, how do you see boxing in our state?

 

Tony Grygelko….I think we rate up there with some of the most active states. We certainly have the talent and the fans to be considered the best state of boxing. Hell we are the Midwest right? As my good friend Roger Mayweather always says… The best fighters come from the Midwest!

 

M….What are some things you think Minnesota boxing fans have to look forward to?

 

Tony Grygelko…. Well lets all come out and support the two best Middleweights in the state on April 23 and at that event I have a real big announcement to make for June!

 

M…. How would you rate Minnesota’s fighters? Any guys you are excited about?
 

Tony Grygelko….The best fighters come from the Midwest!
If I was going to dip into the vast talent pool here in Minnesota I would want to work… I’m not telling!

 

Well if you look at the true 8 weight classes in boxing you could say Minnesota is talent rich.

Flyweight

Antwan Robertson

Bantamweight

Vincente Alfaro

Featherweight

Ismail Muwendo

Lt Weight

Jason Litzau

Welter

M Kayango

Middle

Caleb Tuax

Lt Heavy

Marcus Oliveria

Heavy

Joey Abell

 

 

Fighter that I am the most excited about is Cerresso Fort. I think with the right team this kid could be very good. I think he has made some move recently that has shown the he really is ready to start making some big steps with his career. I wish him the best of luck!

 

M….Thanks for sharing with our readers. Is there anything you would like to add?

 

Tony Grygelko….Don’t forget to get your tickets for the St Paul Brawl. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com

Seconds Out Promotions, Press Release

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Truax to Battle Rival Phil Williams April 23!

 

For Immediate Release

 

truaxwilliamsSt. Paul, MN (April 6, 2010) – Highly touted super middleweight Caleb “Golden” Truax will meet in-state rival Phil “The Drill” Williams at the St. Paul Armory Friday, April 23, in the main event of Seconds Out Promotions’ “St. Paul Brawl”.

 

A flawless 14-0 with 9 knockouts, Truax is amongst the top up-and-comers in the Midwest. The Osseo, MN native stopped five of his last seven opponents, most recently outpointing well regarded Kerry Hope in the World Boxing Federation’s Fight of the Year.

 

Williams, a dynamic power puncher, looks to get back on track following two recent setbacks. At 11-3 with 10 KO’s, Williams owns knockout victories over former title challenger Antwun Echols, underrated Marcus Upshaw, and twice decked unbeaten contender Marcus Oliveira before coming up short. A resident of Minneapolis, MN by way of Queens, NY, Williams is confident he will tarnish Truax’ perfect record.

 

Truax and Williams meet over ten rounds for local bragging rights, as the Minnesota State Super Middleweight title will be up for grabs.

 

In the eight round co-feature, cement fisted heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell battles 31 fight veteran Josh “The Griz” Gutcher of Albia, IA. A fan favorite based out of Coon Rapids, Abell sports a 25-4 record with 24 wins by knockout. Having fought in the U.S., Sweden, Canada and Saint Lucia, Abel is globally recognized as a devastating puncher.

 

Unbeaten featherweights Ismail Muwendo and Gustavo Espinoza meet over four rounds, while crowd favorites Jon “Iron Man” Schmidt, Charles Meier, Derek Winston and Antwon Robertson will appear in separate bouts against opponents to be announced.

 

With mixed martial arts’ interest at an all time high, Seconds Out added three special attraction MMA bouts to the card. Middleweight Jedidiah Jones meets Isiah Mahto in a highly anticipated three round rematch, while well regarded locals Travis Reddinger and Zach Juusola meet opponents TBA.

 

Tickets for the “St. Paul Brawl” are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP and are available at ticketweb.com. Doors to open at 7 pm. 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.

 

 

For more information, go to www.soboxing.com

“Golden” Caleb Truax to face Phil “The Drill” Williams in early April.

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WBF Champ, Caleb Truax, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

WBF Champ, Caleb Truax, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Remember that wish list of fights? Ask and ye shall receive. Not only will April bring Kolle/Vanda 2, but it has just been announced that “Golden” Caleb Truax and Phil “The Drill” Williams will also be facing off in early April in Minneapolis at a venue yet to be named. We will have much more on both of these fights in the coming days and weeks. Below is a comment from Tony Grygelko of Seconds Out Promotions regarding their company and the big fight between Truax and Williams.

 

Phil "The Drill" Williams, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Phil "The Drill" Williams, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

“We have made some exciting changes to unveil with this event. We have brought on the business experience of Craig Murphy, and Katie Grygelko will now be taking on the role of CEO of SO. Along with these changes we have teamed with Vik Uppal of Uppal Enterprises and we are real excited to put this fight together and host it downtown Minneapolis. This fight will be pitting two of Minnesota’s most popular fighters together and each are promising explosive performances. For Phil its a must win fight and Caleb is looking to avenge a loss to Phil in the amateurs. We will have a venue in place by the end of the week. It would have been great to have Andy (Andy Kolle) truly stand behind his statements but as always they are in no hurry to come to the table, thus Caleb wanted to fight “The Most Feared” fighter in the state, Mr. Williams.” Tony Grygelko

Some comments and pictures from last night’s weigh-in. Abell/Butler tonight at The Target Center

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Photos by SnapLocally.com

 

Joey Abell and Raphael Butler

Joey Abell and Raphael Butler

 

Are you ready for some bombs? Last night was like walking through a land of giants. The Russian Giant, Boris, came in at 280lbs, his new opponent William Gillette came in at 232. The main event guys Joey Abell and Raphael Butler came in at a combined weight of 500lbs. These four heavies make for 1000 pounds of fun. We posted all the weights from last night in our prior post. Below are some pictures and a few quotes from the combatants.

 

Raphael Butler

Raphael Butler

 

Raphael Butler – “I can’t believe so many people are picking Joey, they will see tomorrow.”

 

Joey Abell

Joey Abell

 

A member from team Joey Abell – “Joey is focused on this fight, his actions will speak for him.”

 

Zach Walters

Zach Walters

 

Zach “Jungle Boy’ Walters – “We are going to have some fun.”

 

Levi Cortes

Levi Cortes

 

Levi “The Shark” Cortes – “I always attack just like a shark.”

 

Tony Lee

Tony Lee

 

Tony Lee – “Its awesome to start my career in the Target Center. I’m going to live it up. The pro game offers me more time to set up my punches. I’m just coming to fight.”

 

Ronnie Peterson

Ronnie Peterson

 

I also asked “Golden” Caleb Truax for his thoughts on tonight’s huge show.

 

Truax – “Its cool to see the best heavies go, its been a while since that’s happened. Joey has looked great in training. I think Joey will take him into the later rounds, then take him out.”

 

Tony Grygelko – “I’m here to support Minnesota boxing.”

 

Dave Peterson

Dave Peterson

Passing the tests, “Golden” Caleb Truax earns another high mark

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Photos by SnapLocally.com

 

Caleb Truax (left) landing with the jab, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Caleb Truax (left) landing with the jab, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

What a night. “Golden” Caleb Truax passes what in my opinion was his biggest test to date. Not only did he show the ability to deal with a fighter who just doesn’t stop but he went 10 rounds for the first time. This Seconds Out Promotions show lived up to the challenge set by recent and upcoming shows. While only having three professional boxing matches, those three had enough action to fill a ten fight night. Along with the professional boxing, fans were also treated to three entertaining MMA fights. Below is a quick run down of last nights action. Laura Zink will have a full report with comments from Caleb Truax and some of the other fighters later today.

 

Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

“Golden” Caleb Truax over Kerry Hope (UD 97,93/ 97,93/ 97,93) – What a fight! I have learned that I leave every show thinking that I have just witnessed one of the best fights of the year. But this one has to rank right up there. Hope pressured Truax throughout. Truax was able to show superior precision and power in this fight. While by my estimations Hope threw and landed more shots, Caleb Truax landed the more accurate and powerful. The first six rounds were probably the hardest to score in my opinion. I had this a close fight throughout but had no problem with how anybody scored it. There were those ringside that had Truax winning 8 rounds to 2, another had Truax winning the first six straight. I had it much closer than that, and a little closer than the judges, but again, for a fight like this its hard to complain about any one’s score whether it was 8 to 2 or 5 rounds a piece. (after going through my notes again I had it 6 to 4 in Truax’s favor) These guys gave it their all from start to finish. I think one of Hope’s corner men put it best. ” This was a great fight and I don’t have a problem with the decision”. He went on to say that when going to another’s home town, you need to convincingly take the fight. Truax proved again that he is the real deal and quite ready for what looks to be his next challenge, Andy “Kaos” Kolle. It was truly a great sight in the center of the ring after the fight. Truax had his hands in the air and the WBF belt around his waist. On the other side of things, Hope should have nothing to hang his head about, he stepped in there for the first time at 168 and gave Truax all he could handle for 10 solid rounds. Like I told Tony Grygelko after the fight, I really would like to see Hope again. Congratulations to the new WBF champ and I for one can not wait until he and Minnesota’s top middleweight square off in the ring.

 

Kayongo (left) Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Kayongo (left) Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Mohammed Kayongo over James Todd (TKO at 2:35 of the 4th round) – James Todd was pressing the action in this fight but could not overcome the superior power and speed of Kayongo. While Todd was pressing, Kayongo was picking him apart with great counters and power shot. Todd got stung in the 2nd round and never was quite the same until the fight was stopped in the 4th. Congratulations to Mohammed Kayongo on winning his WBF belt.

 

Faulk (right) landing on Soft, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Faulk (right) landing on Soft, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

 

Michael Faulk over Ryan Soft (UD, could not hear the scores) – Another high action fight but Faulk’s superior boxing skills won this fight for him. Soft did most of the attacking but much of his shots were loopers and shoves. However, I had Soft winning the first and last round, but if pressed to pick a winner, I too would have given Faulk the nod.

 

Boxley (left) and Adyaka, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Boxley (left) and Adyaka, Courtesy SnapLocally.com

Willshaun Boxley and Philip Adyaka had a lively exhibition without headgear. This was the only time I have seen Boxley fight where he was the bigger man and it looked like he loved every  minute of it.

 

MMA

 

Marcus LeVessuer over Bruce Johnson (rear naked choke )

 

Isaiah Mahto over Jedidiah Jones (rear naked choke from the half guard)

 

Derek Abram over Gabe Wallbridge (ground and pound)

 

Stay tuned for Laura Zink’s full report later today.

Taking the time to give back.

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Joey Abell, loading food for thankful families

Joey Abell, loading food for thankful families

 

Last night Lyke’s gym opened its doors to the community. In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, Seconds Out Promotions, Lykes Gym, Epic Realty Inc, and Cub Foods worked along side some of Minnesota’s best boxers to give back. Working with several churches in the community, family’s who maybe would not have been able to enjoy the usual Thanksgiving  feast will now have it with all the fixings. Joey Abell, Caleb Truax, and the other professional boxers spent much of the evening handing out boxes loaded with Thanksgiving delights.

 

Jim Maurine handing out a box of food

Jim Maurine handing out a box of food

 

Caleb Truax shared that when he was growing up, his family didnt always have the funds to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table, and that he was happy to be able to help in his way. That spirit of giving was on full display last night as the fighters, managers, and trainers were all doing thier part in handing out Thanksgiving meals. Tong Grygelko had a yellow vest and flashlight to direct traffic outside of the gym. He said these tough economic times have hit everyone hard and added  that there are some within the gym family who will now also be able to have Thanksgiving meals.

 

Willshaun Boxley

Willshaun Boxley

 

Isn’t this what the Holiday Season is supposed to be all about? Our hats go off to everyone involved.

“Golden” Caleb Truax vs Kerry Hope / I love this fight!

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November 20, at the St Paul Armory.

 

As we reported, Kerry Hope (12,2), will be taking the place of Carl Daniels for this Friday’s event. Tony Grygelko told us at Friday’s show that Daniels would not be able to come for the fight due to personal reasons. (Now is a good time to to applaud Tony for going to so many other promoters shows, this really isn’t done enough in my opinion.) Personally, I love the change. While Daniels had fought at the highest levels, those days were behind him.

 

Kerry Hope is like Truax in that he is working his way to the top. He started out with 11 wins and no losses then ran into a bit of bad luck. He has been trained by world class trainer Enzo Calzaghe (yes, that Calzaghe) and now John Tandy. This is no give me. Hope has the same dreams as Truax, again something not always seen by an opponent for a rising prospect. I am really pumped for this!

 

Also on the Card will be Mohammed Kayongo vs James Todd, along with Willshaun Boxley, Jeremy McLaurin and much more.

Goldy Gopher to enter the ring

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U of MN Mascot Goldy to lead Caleb Truax on November 20!

 

For Immediate Release

 

goldySt. Paul, MN – Unbeaten middleweight Caleb Truax will be led into the ring by University of Minnesota mascot Goldy on November 20 for his IBA Americas championship fight at the St. Paul Armory.

 

Truax, a 2006 graduate with a social sciences degree, will fight ten rounds for the first time and is pitted against former world champion Carl Daniels. With Truax’s most experienced opponent to date set to challenge him, Promoter Tony Grygelko knew there was only one way bring the electricity to an all time high for Caleb and his fans.

 

“Its great to have Goldy coming down for the fight”, said Grygelko. “Caleb has as much Gopher pride as anybody and a lot of his fans are alumni. Goldy has entertained millions of fans across the nation and is perfect to kick off a great fight.”

 

Osseo’s Truax, 13-0 (9 KO’s) and Daniels, 50-18-1 (32 KO’s), will battle it out in the main event of an exciting seven fight boxing/MMA hybrid card. Other local favorites on the card include Muhammad Kayongo, Derek Abrams and former amateur standout Michael Faulk among others.

 

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $55 for VIP. General admission for children under 13 is $5. Tickets to “The Golden Age” are available by calling 612-807-5547. Doors to open at 7 and the first bell is slated for 8 pm.

 

The St. Paul Armory is located at 600 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101

Tony Grygelko of Seconds Out Promotions says……

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Tony Grygelko of Seconds Out Promotions just called me to put all the comments under our interview with Willshaun Boxley to rest. He said there is an open invitation for Ronnie Peterson, Antwan Robertson, or Brad Patraw to fight Willshaun Boxley November 20.  He also said they can contact him directly or I can forward any responce to him. Again, I am only the messenger.

 

Update: for Boxley they would take anybody 130 and down in MNand for Ismail Muwendo they would take anybody from 135 and down. Minus Jason Litzau.

Will we see Boxley vs Hilario? Wow! Ok there is a response in the comments.  As many thought, with Wilton Hilario having a fight on November 13, one week would not be enough time. But he would be interested in such a fight. Cory Rapacz gives a full run down in our comment section.

November 20, The Golden Age, Press Release

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Truax-Daniels IBA Title Fight Headlines November 20!

 

For Immediate Release

 

calebtruax_newlrgSt. Paul, MN – Unbeaten Super Middleweight “Golden” Caleb Truax will vie for his first title Friday November 20 against former world champion Carl Daniels in the main event of Seconds Out Promotions’ “The Golden Era” live from the St. Paul Armory.

 

Truax, 13-0 (9 KO’s), has been impressive thus far during his young career. The Osseo, MN native stopped five of his last six opponents, including an impressive TKO over veteran Patrick Perez in July.

 

Daniels, of St. Louis, MO, is a former WBA Junior Middleweight champion and fought the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Julio Cesar Green, Julio Cesar, Laurent Boudouani and Chad Dawson. The 69 fight veteran is Truax’ most experienced foe to date.

 

The Truax-Daniels matchup is scheduled for ten rounds, with the winner claiming the IBA Americas Super Middleweight championship.

 

In the co-featured bout of the evening, hard hitting Welterweight Muhammad “African Assassin” Kayongo of St. Paul returns following a one year absence to challenge James Todd of the United Kingdom. Kayongo, 14-2 (10 KO’s) and Todd, 2-1-1 (1 KO) are scheduled to do battle over 10 rounds for the IBA Intercontinental Welterweight title.

 

Kayongo-Todd is expected to be far more competitive than it looks on paper, as the latter was an elite amateur, former member of the Calzaghe Training Camp and now part of the illustrious Talon Boxing Camp in Big Bear, CA.

 

Former amateur star Michael Faulk of St. Paul takes on Ryan Soft, 1-0-1 (1 KO), of North Dakota in a four round Junior Middleweight bout. Faulk, 1-0 (1 KO), was rated the #2 amateur in the nation by USA Boxing.

 

Middleweights Charles Meier, 3-1 (2 KO’s), and Josh Rodriguez, 4-10 (3 KO’s) will meet over four rounds. Marvin Rodriguez, 2-2 (1 KO), challenges Silas Ortey, 4-7 (3 KO’s), also in a four round Middleweight affair.

 

Super Bantamweights Felix Martinez of Bloomington, MN squares off against Ugandan Phillip Adyaka in a four rounder. Martinez and Adyaka are both looking for their first professional victory.

 

Mixed martial artist Derek Abrams meets Caleb Wolf over three 5 minute rounds in the Featherweight (145 lb) division and Welterweight Jedidiah Jones makes his debut against an opponent TBA, also in a three rounder.

 

Lightweight prospect Jeremy McLaurin, 5-0 (4 KO’s), and local favorite Jon “The Iron Man” Schmidt, 9-1 (6 KO’s) are slated to appear in separate bouts.

 

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $55 for VIP. General admission for children under 13 is $5. Tickets to “The Golden Era” are available by calling 612-807-5547. Doors to open at 7 and the first bell is slated for 8 pm.

 

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, Jeremy McLaurin, dynamite fisted Heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell, Willshaun Boxley, Charles Meier, Jon “The Ironman” Schmidt, and Mohammed Kayongo.

 

november-20-fight-poster2

 For more information, go to www.soboxing.com