Boxing News Boxing News
On Wednesday night, June 22nd, Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulfstream Group in association with Gabe LaConte will present a Middleweight Championship bout at The Robert Treat Hotel main ballroom.
Headlining for the United States Boxing Association Middleweight Title are Ossie Duran Ghana 25-8 and Latif Mundy of Philadelphia PA. This bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.
Duran, 25-8-2 (9 KO), of Paterson NJ by way of Ghana, Africa, has faced the very elite of the division including Matt Vanda, James Kirkland and Fernando Guerrero.
In his last bout, Duran was very sharp in defeating Vanda on November 12th as he pitched a virtual shutout over Vanda, who entered the ring with a record of 43-11.
Duran, now working with Jersey City based promotional firm the Gulfstream Group, headed by promoter Vincent M. Ponte, is on a two fight winning streak and has many impressive wins earlier in his career as he was a multi-time champion in both Africa and Europe.
In just his eighth bout he won the Ghanaian Lightweight with a twelve round unanimous decision over Tony Danso. He later went on to win the British Commonwealth Title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Joshua Okine. He defended that title twice with a third round knockout over highly regarded Jamie Moore (20-1) and a unanimous decision over undefeated Colin McNeil (8-0).
He came to the United States with three straight wins which included wins over former Contender contestant Jonathan Reid (34-4) and Gilberto Reyes (18-3).
“I’m hungry to win another title. I’m happy to be back fighting in New Jersey where I without a doubt will win another title”, said Duran.
“Not only for myself, but my team my two country’s Africa and the United States of America. I want to thank Vinny Ponte, and my team for giving me this title opportunity. I want to win a world title more than ever and I need to first beat Latif Munday to achieve my dream.”
Mundy of Philadelphia has a record of 10-2 with four wins coming via stoppage. Mundy’s experience comes from over 75 amateur bouts and numerous tours in training camp with the likes of Lajuan Simon and Mike Jones. Mundy has been given 8 weeks to train for his first title belt and plans to bring the title home to the city of brotherly love; says his advisor Dave Escalet.
Though Mundy has never fought in a 10 round fight, he is determined to show the world what he’s made of. Like Duran, Mundy has won two straight which includes a six round unanimous decision over Ibahiem King on January 29th in Verona, New York
“This is the biggest fight of my life and will make me or break me in boxing,” says Mundy. “I’m not going to let this man beat me. Come June 22nd, I’m going to let it all hang out!”
19 year old senior Millville high school student and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Millville’s own, by way of Nutley New Jersey, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (2-0, 2 KO’s)
In a six round Super Middleweight bout, Andy Mejias (9-0, 4 KO’s) will look to remain undefeated when he takes on an opponent to be named.
Mejias of Utica, New York is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Isaac Atencio on January 29th in Verona, New York.
A jam packed undercard has been put together featuring:
Tyyab Beale (3-3, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will take on Jon Bolden (2-1, 2 KO’s) of New York, NY in a four round Heavyweight bout. Eddie Edmonds (2-1-1, 1 KO) Newark, NJ VS Yasin Abdul (0-1) of Camden NJ, in a four round Jr. Middleweight
Newark Middleweight John Thompson will make his pro debut in a four round bout against an opponent to be named . Rashad “Tank” Bogar (3-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Newark will participate in a four round Welterweight bout.
Rounding out the card is Unbeaten Heavyweight John Lennox (3-0, 1 KO) of Carteret NJ will see action in a four round bout. Lennox has drawn a loyal local following and brings a large entourage of fans from both NY& NJ.
Tickets priced $100 (Limited VIP), $50, & $30 (Very Limited) and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 973-350-9953 or 1-866-263-STAR
The Grand Ballroom at the Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark NJ. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first bout 7:30 sharp.
