BOXING: BRANT PREPARING FOR HOMETOWN TITLE DEFENSE

Robert Brant training at high altitude in the Nevada mountains.

It appears as though WBA middleweight champion Robert Brant’s first title defense will take place back home at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN on February 15, 2019. Brant, who now resides in Texas, made easy work of former champion Ryota Murata last October to win the title. His likely opponent next month is 21-year old Chechen native Khasan Baysangurov (17-0, 7 KO). Baysangurov is rated #8 by the WBA. Brant recently signed with Top Rank and joins Greg Cohen Promotions and Rapacz Boxing in co-promotion.

“There’s nothing official to announce just yet,” said Cory Rapacz. “Once the site is officially confirmed and an event is announced, you will hear it from Top Rank.”

Be on the lookout for the official announcement to be released tomorrow afternoon. There are currently three more fights of local interest rumored to be on the show to go along with a full undercard featuring out of state talent.

If the show takes shape like it appears to be, Minnesota State super lightweight champion Rondale Hubbert (12-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN will faceoff against 27-year-old Puerto Rican southpaw Kevin Cruz (8-1, 5 KO’s) who now resides in Iowa in an undercard bout.

“The Sharp Shooter” Ismail Muwendo (20-1, 12 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN would be back in Minnesota for the first time in three years after signing with Top Rank. Muwendo’s rumored opponent is Hevinson Herrera (24-15, 18 KO’s) of Barranquilla, Columbia.

Finally, a showdown between Minnesota state super featherweight champion Ramiro Hernandez (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Ohio and Wisconsin’s Gavino Guaman (5-3, 1 KO) could be another fight filling out the undercard. Things must first go well for Hernandez on January 18th in Hinckley’s first of two back to back boxing shows.

The February 15th show will be promoted by Top Rank and televised live on ESPN. We will update you tomorrow after Top Ranks official announcement.