BOXING: DOUBLE STATE TITLE NIGHT AUG. 17 IN HINCKLEY
Cory Rapacz of Rapacz Boxing today announced the “Double Main Event” featuring two Minnesota State Title fights scheduled for “Grand Friday Night Fights” August 17th at Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN.
In the first of two announced main events the last two Minnesota State 140 lb champions will square off in a long-awaited 8 round matchup for the vacant title as Rondale “Give Em Hell” Hubbert (11-6-1, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis meets Marcus “Hooch” Morris (11-3, 7KOs) of Duluth. Neither former champion lost their title in the ring as Hubbert had to vacate due to being unavailable to defend (leading to Morris winning the vacant title against Jeremy McLaurin) and Morris forced to vacate due to not making weight before his career best victory last August with his knockout of Tony Lee.
Rondale Hubbert: “I’m excited to be fighting for the state title for a second time. It’s going to be a great fight. I like Hooch as a person and fighter. It’s nothing personal, just business. I will be crowned champion of my state once again”
Markus Morris: “It’s no secret me and Rondale are friends, but we both want the same thing. Most respect to him but at the end of the night, I’m going to do what I got to do to leave on top. Hopefully we can leave everything in the ring.”
Cory Rapacz: “Both of these main events are the type of fights that have made “Grand Friday Night Fights” the most successful casino fight series in the Midwest, if not the entire country. Both of these fights are going to deliver and the undercard is loaded with the future of Minnesota boxing.”
The second main event will feature undefeated Ramiro Hernandez (11-0, 8 Ko’s) defending his Minnesota State 130 lb championship against Gavino Guaman (5-3, 1 KO). The fighters will meet at a 127 lb catchweight as they both work their way down to the featherweight division. Hernandez captured the state title this past March with an 8 round unanimous decision over Nate Rubin. Hernandez looks to take his latest step into making noise nationally while Guaman will look to claim his first title in the professional ranks.
In a very intriguing 6 round “special attraction” Minnesota’s Joe Amouta (7-1-1) will take on undefeated Cem Kilic (10-0) of Turkey at 168 lbs.
The undercard on August 17th will be loaded with talent and features the return of Delorien Caraway, Marlin Sims and Anthony Palmisano and the pro debut of St. Cloud amateur star Joe James. More fights to be added shortly so stay tuned for updates. The full card and fighter details can be seen HERE.