Melson Faces Leiva September 22!

Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City is set to challenge cement-fisted Cuban Yolexcy Leiva Saturday, September 22 at the first ever boxing card at World Casino in Queens, NY.

Known for his humanitarianism and large fan base, Melson, 9-1 (4 KO’s), scored a lackluster decision victory over Khalik Memminger on August 2. Leading up to that bout, Melson was on antibiotics for an infection, which kept him out of the gym and made cutting weight a daunting task. The day before weighing-in, he was 13 pounds over the limit but he miraculously made weight. However, he was weak and lacking energy on fight night, ultimately leaving him extremely dissatisfied with his performance.

“The fight against Memminger was my worst performance as a pro and I was more upset about it than most of the fans,” stated Melson. “Regardless, I can’t ever look like that again and expect to win.”

Born in Cuba and based in Brooklyn, NY, Leiva’s no stranger to tough fights, sharing the squared circle with undefeated opponents on four occasions. With a deceptive 5-4 professional ledger, Leiva has four wins by knockout, most notably demolishing hometown favorite Benny Costantino in March. On August 18, he dropped a split decision to undefeated Thomas LaManna following a six round slugfest.

“I know this guy is a lot tougher than my last opponent and I must be 100 times better than I was last time out,” said Melson, who donates his entire fight purse to Justadollarplease.org to help fund a trial to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. “That fight is no longer a part of my consciousness as I only care right now about creating a new and more proud memory September 22. People spend their hard earned money to watch me fight, and I bust my hump in the gym so that I can shine come showtime!”

Melson and Leiva will meet in a six round special attraction bout on a card promoted by New Legend Boxing, Old World Boxing and W.O.N. Promotions.

Tickets are available on Teamfighttowalk.com.

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.