Haskell amateurs ready to turn pro

Over the years, Chuck Haskell has enjoyed promotional success with his amateur and professional MMA cards while earning a reputation as one of the most trustworthy, caring promoters on the local and regional circuit.

On June 21, Haskell is hoping that his first pro-am show at Yankee Lake — “Brawlroom 41” — in Brookfield will showcase former amateurs from his past shows as they make their professional debut. His intent is to draw attention to other area up-and-coming amateurs.

“I’m really very excited,” Haskell said. “It’s a chance for me to provide an opportunity to veteran Yankee Lake fighters as they now eye the next step in their careers.

“The best of those fighters will finally have an opportunity to showcase their skills on the professional level and in the process, get paid for the hard work and effort they put forth.”

Set to make their professional debuts are heavyweight Mark Wiant of Sligo, Pa., and Campbell’s Michael Cardona at 155 pounds.

Wiant, who finished with a 10-3 overall mark as an amateur, is the current 205-pound champion and will be moving up in weight for his professional debut.

He will take on Cleveland’s amateur champion, undefeated Antwon Phillips (6-0) who is also slated to make his pro debut.

It was Phillips who beat Mark’s brother, Tracy, via TKO (strikes) in the opening minute of the final round of Fall Brawl 2 to capture the promotions heavyweight title during Fall Brawl 2 last October at St. Mary’s Assumption Center in Youngstown.

On the same card, Wiant defeated Matt Comer, also by TKO (strikes) and also in the opening minute of the final round.

“If anything, it will be an exciting and really interesting match-up which pits two former amateur champions against each other in their initial professional bout,” Haskell said.

Cardona, known as “Taco,” has hard-fought battles as both champion and contender on his amateur fight docket.

He will take on lightweight challenger Josh Hilliard of Rayland, who went 8-5 as an amateur. His lost in his professional debut against Pittsburgh’s Mike Putnam in the Pittsburgh Challenge Series 4 last August.

“I really don’t know much about Josh but what I do know is that we have the same skill set and he is a well-rounded fighter,” Cardona said. “He’s excellent at striking, wrestling and jiu-jitsu and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Hilliard fought for the 155-pound title in his last amateur fight, coming up short against current undefeated professional Bekzod Abdurmanonov in SummerBrawl 2 action last June at St. Lucy’s Palermo Center in Campbell.

“Taco [Cardona] and Josh [Hillard] are both tough, well-conditioned athletes,” Haskell said. “This pairing is sure to contain a lot of action and is an excellent test for both competitors just starting out on the professional level.”

In addition to the two professional co-main events, there will be 13 amateur fights as well.

Boardman’s Al Gonzales at 145 pounds and Todd Ambrosia (205 pounds) of Pulaski, Pa., are the two local fighters to keep an eye on. Ten fighters from the Pittsburgh area also are slated for action.

Pre-sale tickets cost $30. The price will be $35 at the door. Ringside tickets may be purchased for $60 at the Yankee Lake box office or by calling Haskell at 724-699-1725.

Tickets also may be purchased on-line at www.mmabrawlroom.com.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the first bout slated to start at 6 p.m.

Greg Gulas covers combat sports for The Vindicator. Write him at sports@vindy.com