18 bouts set for Wednesday at McMenamy’s

By Greg Gulas

NILES — Boxers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida will highlight Wednesday’s 18-bout “Knock ‘em, Bop ‘em, Drop ‘em and Stop ‘em” card at McMenamy’s Banquet Center.

Chuck Nelson, event promoter, already has secured commitments from boxers representing two Columbus-based clubs, two Cleveland-based camps and two Pittsburgh-area clubs, as well as from camps in Youngstown; Akron; Johnstown, Pa.; and Florida.

With three Female Division bouts on tap, it’s a show that Nelson readily admits can be something special when it comes to showcasing Open boxers.

“We feel like we have an excellent card assembled and know full well that those in attendance will understand from the outset our underlying theme,” Nelson said.

“Former Girard and current Florida resident, Alicia DeFrank, will be one of the females you should keep an eye on while the main-go will feature Youngstown’s Wesley Tripplett,” Nelson said.

“Along with DeFrank, Florida’s Naomi Bosaquez is someone to watch as both women are trained by ex-boxer Johnny Casella and Angelo Dundee,” Nelson said.

“Casella, in his prime, went up against Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Tony Tubbs while Dundee, who was cornerman for all of Muhammad Ali’s fights, is a name that is synonymous in boxing circles worldwide,” Nelson said.

The card, sanctioned by U.S.A. Amateur Boxing, has Tripplett taking on John Smith of Columbus in the night’s finale while the co-main feature has Antuan Slaughter of Columbus meeting Ira “Tiger” McDowell of Akron in a 138-pound scrap.

The super feature has Akron’s Sir Anthony Walls meeting Mike Branch of Columbus, also in a 138-pound event.

The feature will pit Rosy Moralis of Pittsburgh against Royce McCormich of Akron in a 122-pound bout.

The co-feature at 110 pounds has Youngstown’s Po-Po Salinas taking on Richard Vega of Cleveland.

Salinas’ brother, Pedro, will get the evening started when he welcomes Columbus’ Joey Nelo in a 70-pound event.

Other Youngstown-based boxers to watch include Matt Cardona (160), who will meet Jason Fox of Pittsburgh; Cody Lucky who will meet fellow Youngstowner Clemente Franklin in a 158 jostle and Julius Thomas (138) who will take on Greg Bryant of Columbus.

Also boxing from Youngstown is Richie Chicone (130); Pat Brown (130); Tyler Smits (130); Conner Young (173) and Brian Pegues (167).

DeFrank is the one boxer on the card going from the frying pan and into the fire when she takes on Loren Fisher of nearby Butler, Pa.

Fisher, who is ranked number five in the nation, is coming off a victory over the number-three-ranked contender in her weight class and is expected to move up when the rankings are revised.

The other two Female Division bouts have Bosaquez taking on Davona Blackshear of Columbus at 115 pounds and Cleveland’s Carla Torres against Christy Lacy of Columbus in a 129-pound scrap.

“At least seven bouts on this card could be considered main events,” Nelson said. “While it took some time to make the proper pairings, we’re obviously pleased with the end result and with the boxers who have agreed to take part in this hard-hitting card.”

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for students. A table of 10 is available for $200.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at Jensen Lock and Alarm, Belmont Avenue. Further information may be obtained by calling (330) 509-2257.

Wednesday's pairings:

1. 70 pounds — Pedro Salinas (Youngstown) vs. Joey Nelo (Columbus)

2. 90 pounds — Calvin Taylor (Johnstown, Pa.) vs. Jordan Horton (Columbus)

3. 160 pounds — Matt Cardona (Youngstown) vs. Jason Fox (Pittsburgh)

4. 158 pounds — Cody Lucky (Youngtown) vs. Clemente Franklin (Youngstown)

5. 138 pounds — Julius Thomas (Youngstown) vs. Greg Bryant (Columbus)

6. 130 pounds — Richie Chicone (Youngstown) vs. Brad Roston (Johnstown, Pa.)

7. 130 pounds — Pat Brown (Youngtown) vs. Tyler Smits (Youngstown)

8. 173 pounds — Conner Young (Youngstown) vs. Draquel Jones (Cleveland)

9. 167 pounds — Brian Pegues (Youngtown) vs. Gavin Hune (Akron)

10. 115 pounds — Naomi Bosaquez (Miami, Fla.) vs. Davona Blackshere (Columbus)

11. 129 pounds — Carla Torres (Cleveland) vs. Christy Lacy (Columbus)

12. 125 pounds — Alicia DeFrank (Girard) vs. Loren Fisher (Butler)

13. 110 pounds — Po-Po Salinas (Youngstown) vs. Ricardo Vega (Cleveland)

14. 122 pounds — Rosy Moralis (Pittsburgh) vs. Royce McCormich (Akron)

15. 138 pounds — Sir Anthony Walls (Akron) vs. Mike Branch (Columbus)

16. 138 pounds — Antuan Slaughter (Columbus) vs. Ira “Tiger” McDowell (Akron)

17. 175 pounds — Morgan Fitch (Pittsburgh) vs. Steve Tyner (Alliance)

18. Super Heavyweight — Wesley Tripplett (Youngstown) vs. Big John Smith (Columbus)