Brian Minto is back with Pat Nelson; Kiez Smith busy with 3 bouts scheduled

Brian Minto has an important fight tonight in Tampa.
TAMPA -- Hall of Fame author Budd Shulberg's words about fighters coming and going, but managers going on forever, surely do apply to Youngstown's Pat Nelson.
Nelson has rejoined Butler, Pa. heavyweight Brian "The Beast" Minto. Nelson, who was with Minto since the beginning of his pro career, is listed as a co-manager with Baltimore contractor Felix Dialoiso.
Nelson helped set the stage for Minto hitting the big time among the world's heavyweights by helping to arrange a return bout with Vincent Maddalone tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum as the leadoff HBO Pay Per View fight before the main event between Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver.
Minto (20-1, 11 knockouts) used a picture book left hook to rock Maddalone in the 10th and final round of their bout in July 2004 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, N.J.
That bout, televised by ESPN was called by many one of the best bouts of 2004.
"The first fight was nominated as one of the best bouts last year and this fight should be twice as good," said Nelson. "Maddalone should provide another strong test for Brian who has vastly improved his skills over the past year. After a great camp in Washington, Pa. training with Tom Yankello and sparring with the likes of Jeremy Bates and Abraham Okine, Brian is more than ready for this fight and I fully expect him to take Maddalone out within six rounds.
"With a good performance Brian should move up to top money fights with the best of today's heavyweight contenders," added Nelson.
Minto (25-2, 18 KOs) comes in at 210 pounds.
"I am well prepared to display my new boxing skills that I feel can take me to the top of the heavyweight division," he said.
Smith on three cards
YOUNGSTOWN -- Trainer John Hobart is working hard with his amateur, Kiez Smith, a 20-year-old junior middleweight from Boardman.
Smith (2-1) will be on three cards in Pennsylvania and West Virginia this month.
The first is an eight-bout card in Bridgeport, Pa., Oct. 8 which is being promoted by former Pittsburgh Steeler Greg Woofley.
Another show is Oct. 13 in Saddleview, Pa., promoted by Jim Scuvettey, and the third show is in Weirton, W.Va. Oct. 22.
"I can't tell how much I have improved if I am not up against a decent opponent," said Smith, who asked Hobart for the heavy schedule.
"Kiez is in excellent gym shape and ring warfare is always a good test for a kid who works hard to condition himself," said Hobart.