Boxing News Boxing News
Undefeated USBA super bantamweight champion Mike “Machine” Oliver headlines “Battle Zone 3” in a 10-round non-title fight against Vernie Torres on May 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Hartford-native Oliver (18-0, 7 KOs), rated No. 8 by the International Boxing Federation is coming off of a close title-defense 12-round decision victory against Gary Stark, Jr.
Torres (27-9, 15 KOs), a Philippine southpaw now fighting out of Pensacola, Florida, is the former USBA and WBO super flyweight champion, as well as IBA bantamweight title holder.
The 10-round co-feature is a rematch between Rodney Toney, cousin of future Hall of Fame boxing champion James Toney, and Anthony “The Rowdy One” Russell for the vacant IBA Americas light heavyweight championship.
Last October, WBA No. 36 rated Toney (29-5-5, 17 KOs) captured a unanimous 10-round decision from the Canadian-born Russell (15-2-1, 4 KOs).
Chief support on the undercard will be provided by unbeaten heavyweight prospect Tony Grano (8-0-1, 7 KOs), the 2005 U.S. Nationals amateur champion from Hebron (CT), against dangerous Jay Sweetman (7-5, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout.
Also scheduled to fight on “Battle Zone 3” is exciting Stoughton (MA) cruiserweight Chris McInerney (7-0-1, 4 KOs), whose 2005 draw with Anterio Vines earned ESPN2 Fight of the Year honors, versus veteran John Battle (14-18-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round match;
Vietnamese featherweight Dat “Be Dat” Nguyen (8-0, 5 KOs) faces Jorge Ruiz (5-1-1) in another six-rounder; Boston light welterweight Anthony LaMonica (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Ken Yon Kellum (0-1 in a pair of four-round match. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $25.00, $40.00 and $75.00, are available at the Mohegan Sun box office by calling 800.226.7711 or at www.mohegansun.com. For more information call 617.842.8661 or go to www.tuohysports.com.
