BOXING: BOXERS HIT HINCKLEY STAGE FOR “BRAGGING RIGHTS”

Boxers are ready to lace up the gloves this Friday night as the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN continues its boxing series. Super lightweights Markus “Hooch” Morris (11-4, 7 KO’s) of Duluth, MN and DeLorien “Lord” Caraway (11-2, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN will meet for “Bragging Rights” in the main event. Minnesota Fight News spoke with boxing insiders and fans from across the state to get their picks. As of this writing, the odds appear to be split on who will this intriguing match-up. Both fighters have shown a willingness to both box and brawl in past fights which makes the outcome tricky to predict. Morris revealed to Duluth’s Fox 21 News that he plans on being the aggressor and pushing the pace (WATCH HERE). Word out each camp is that Morris and Caraway are in peak shape and ready to win either way.

“DeLorien’s camp has been a significant one and he is in excellent shape” said former Jr. middleweight state champion and Caraway trainer Corey Rodriguez. “We knew the fight was on the horizon and had done a lot of preparation. Although we were originally matched with Rondale Hubbert, we had to switch plans to fight Markus Morris. Both of these guys are excellent fighters and we look forward to fighting them.”

More of Minnesota’s up and coming boxing talent will be on display before the main event hits center stage. Minnesota state super featherweight champion Ramiro “La Bala” Hernandez (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Cleveland, Ohio will box in the co-main event against Missouri’s Andre Wilson (15-13-1, 12 KO’s). Wilson recently went the distance with Minneapolis “Sharp Shooter” Ismail Muwendo. Hernandez has made Minnesota a second home both in and out of the ring and a win will set up a title defense on February’s televised show back in Hinckley.

“I’m from Cleveland, Ohio but with so much family in Minnesota, my brother and I traveled back and forth often training and working in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul. So for us, Minnesota has always been a home. I take every fight serious and prepare for the best.”

“I don’t know much about Wilson but I expect him to be a knowledgeable fighter to be taken seriously” said Hernandez. “I would like everyone to know that I appreciate all of their continued support. I will be looking to leave it all in the ring, giving my all and making my family and fans proud.”

 

130 pound Minneapolis southpaw Marlin Sims (3-0, 2 KO’s) went undefeated in 2018 and will fight for his fourth victory against 27-year-old Mark Slyter (1-3) of Gardner, Kansas. Sims showed good poise and finishing ability last August when he stopped tough Missouri boxer, Dakota Laster.

“I felt 100% in control during that fight” said Sims. “I’ve been working with my coach Alfonso Vazquez from the Uppercut Boxing Gym. He’s taught me how to be more relaxed and let my hands flow and not force my punches. My opponent looks to be a come forward, very rugged fighter that tries to bully you around the ring.”

“I watched his last fight and feel confident that I’ll stop him in four rounds or less. This fight will be at 135 which is five pounds higher than my last fight. I plan on showing the people and future opponents that I’m ready for all kinds of styles. This fight you will see punches in bunches and fast foot movement. The show has just begun, wait for the announcement after the fight.”

21-year-old Duluth super welterweight Danny Huffman (1-0) was a late addition to the show and is ready to make the most of opportunity. Huffman’s pro-debut last September was unique being that he was boxing in the main event of the night in front of his hometown crowd while making his pro debut. Huffman out-punched dangerous journeyman Fred Thomas. Thomas had previously given Mohammed Kayongo, Antwun Echols, and Cerresso Fort hard rounds.

“It was quite a story how it all turned out for my fight in Duluth” said Huffman. “I was supposed to fight a couple months earlier, but it got scratched and then the fight in Duluth pipped in. It was a great experience to fight my pro debut in my hometown and better yet at the Decc! Being the main event didn’t give me any additional nerves. I had a good training camp and I was ready to fight. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity. I have a pretty big following and great fan support. I hope to continue rising through the ranks and hopefully get more opportunities to fight in my hometown.
Fred Thomas was an interesting debut opponent with a lot of experience. He’s been a pro for as long as I’ve been alive. It was a fun action-packed fight. I stuck to the game plan going in to the fight and I listened to my corner well. Everything we planned in camp worked in the ring. Fred has a mean right hand.”

Huffman says that he frequently watched boxing at the Grand Casino before turning pro. He jumped at the chance to box in Hinckley and is set to face Lucas Kennedy (1-1) of Topeka, Kansas on Friday night.

“I’m very happy to get this opportunity to fight at the Grand Casino. The card was full and then an opening came up. Cory (Rapacz) reached out to my coach and I was ready to go. I’ve been ready to fight since I stepped out of the ring last fall. I Don’t know much about Kennedy other than he is 1-1 and he’s never been past the first round. My plan is to keep it like that. At the same time, if it comes down to it, I know I can go all four rounds. I stay in shape and know I can go four hard rounds. The plan is to go in and get out so I can get back to training the following Monday. I look forward to putting on another exciting fight for my fans. There’s a big group coming down for my fight and I want to thank everyone for their continued support. I hope to keep my momentum going this year with more fights. The fun has only begun.”

Power-punching Saint Cloud welterweight Joe James (2-0, 2 KO’s) is set to box Carl Currie (0-13-2_in a scheduled four round bout. Currie is tough despite being winless, having faced fighters with a combined record of 45-11. Still, expect James to seek another stoppage win inside the distance.

The rest of the card can be seen by visiting this link HERE. Tune in tomorrow night at approximately 5 PM to our Facebook Page to watch the live weigh-in stream.