TKO Boxing: Gilbert vs. Smith Headlines October 31 Fight Card

Super middleweight contender Joey Gilbert will square off against Philadelphia’s Dhafir Smith in the eight round co-main event at “Fright Night Fights” on Saturday, October 31st in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Currently training in his hometown of Reno, Nevada, Gilbert 18-2-0 (14KO’s), is coming off a crunching fifth round stoppage of California based veteran Ivan Stovall on August 29th in Fallon, Nevada.

Along with training for his upcoming bout against Smith, Gilbert is also practicing law full time in Reno.

“It’s just a matter of organizing my day. I’ve been training twice a day, at the Caughlin Club and at Pendola Training along with working at Reno City Boxing. I’m glad to be training at home while I can practice law” said Gilbert.

Earlier this year Gilbert and cross-town rival Jesse Brinkley battled in an outstanding twelve round war at the Reno Events Center. The bout, held on Valentines Day before a packed house of 7,000 Northern Nevada fight fans was awarded to Brinkley by unanimous decision.

Continued Gilbert, “For me it’s just one fight at a time. It was great to get the win against Stovall, particularly in front of the supportive Northern Nevada fans. I haven’t seen Dhafir Smith fight but I’m preparing for a very tough battle.”

Although this will be Gilbert’s first bout in Pennsylvania, the fight against Smith will be his fifth on the East Coast. “I’ve always enjoyed traveling east to fight. The fans in New York, Virginia and the Baltimore area were terrific to perform in front of and I’m looking forward to the trip to Johnstown.”

Smith, 22-19-6 (4KO’s), is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over Washington D.C. veteran Demetrius Davis on September 26th in Philadelphia which followed a six round decision over William Gill on May 9th.

In his eight year professional career the 27 year old Smith has faced numerous notable super middleweight and light heavyweights including Andre Ward, Kingsley Ikeke, Mike Paschall, Shaun George, Jerson Ravelo, Larry Marks, Curtis Stevens and Henry Buchanan.

Headlining the bill is the highly anticipated cruiserweight rematch between Johnstown fan favorite Andres Taylor and Leo Bercier of Great Falls, Montana.

Also featured on the undercard will be The Fighting Pride of Central Pennsylvania, undefeated featherweight sensation Carney Bowman, Pittsburgh based welterweight Jesse Lubash and undefeated lightweight prospect Terence Crawford.

Priced at $60, $30 and $20**, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com., phone 800-745-3000), the War Memorial Arena Box Office (814-536-5156), Giant Eagle Markets in Johnstown , (1451 Scalp Ave. and 1234 Broad St.) and at Watchmakers Diamonds & Jewelry, 1252 Scalp Ave. in Johnstown. A limited number of VIP seats can also be purchased at all outlets.

The Cambria County War Memorial Arena is located at 326 Napoleon St. in Johnstown . Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

Further details on will be announced shortly.

**All tickets are subject to a $2.00 facility fee and any applicable Ticketmaster charges.