BOXING: Hubbert/Caraway State Title Showdown Aug 9 in Hinckley

On August 9th, 2019 Grand Friday Night Fights returns to Grand Casino Hinckley with the main event between Minnesota State super lightweight champion Rondale Hubbert and DeLorien Caraway. The state title clash will feature the end of a de facto Minnesota 140 pound tournament which has featured many top fighters from around the state over the last 5 years.

Hubbert, from Moorhead, MN has been the most consistent variable in these big local fights. Hubbert has been perfect against other Minnesota fighters in the 140-pound division and seems to always get up and find an extra gear for the big local rivalries. A win against Caraway would stamp Hubbert’s legacy at 140 lbs and would arguably be the most impressive run through a division locally for a Minnesota fighter since Caleb Truax took over the Minnesota middleweight division earlier this decade with wins over Phil Williams, Andy Kolle, Matt Vanda, and Cerresso Fort. Hubbert’s notable fights against other local 140 pound fighters include:

January 24, 2014: vs. Winston Anderson – Win by KO 5

August 22, 2014: vs. RJ Laase – Win by UD 8

November 11, 2014: vs. Jeremy McLaurin – Win by KO 2

August 17, 2018: vs. Markus Morris – Win by SD 8

The bout’s name of “Final Chapter” has meaning to Hubbert because no matter the result he looks to leave the 140-pound division behind and move down to what he believes will be better weight classes for him to pursue national fights.

“I think DeLorien is one of Minnesota’s best” said Hubbert. “He was actually the first person I ever sparred with at COD. It’s a huge fight for Minnesota and there’s nothing but respect between us. I love the fact that when big fights happen in MN, the fighters have nothing but class. I expect the same type of atmosphere with Caraway vs Hubbert as (Markus) Morris vs Hubbert. A good fight and a good time.
I’ve always been a natural 135 pounder but I didn’t fight at that weight because of discipline and my love for food that caused me to fight heavy. Now I’m focused an walking around at 145 pounds so 130-135 seems like a good fit for me. I know I’ll be a better fighter at that weight class. Before I think about that, there is business to take care of on August 9.

Fans can expect the best version of me because I will have a full camp. I know I’ve taken my losses but never at home in Minnesota and I want to keep it that way. I expect a good fight and for him to come in great shape to perform well. I plan to do the same and I want to thank everyone who buys a tickets in advance. It’s going be a great night of fights.”

Caraway is looking toward turning “Final Chapter” into a new beginning as he has found a home in the 140-pound division since hooking up trainer, former 154 lb MN state champion, Corey Rodriguez. The pair have found instant success as many ringside observers felt Caraway had never looked better when he defeated Markus Morris this past January to earn his title shot. According to Caraway, it was a fight he took very personal after an amateur fight against Morris years ago.

“We wanted the fight against Morris because I felt I was robbed badly in Duluth. Me and my people remember his people cheering and celebrating as though he had beaten me. I felt disrepected because I always cheer for other guys from this state to be successful so getting the fight made wasn’t a hard decision. I wanted to punish him in front of his people for those actions years ago. As for the fight, we felt as though he was a front runner and thought he was going to blow his gas tank early. We wanted to box and show him and the crowd that there are levels to boxing and that it’s not just about being tough. I told him he’s a good fighter afterwards and that he’s going to grow from it. It’s boxing and even the greats take losses.”

A win for Caraway against Hubbert would be the perfect launching pad for him onto the national scene.

“This has all the making to be a good fight,” said Caraway. I love the challenge because he’s a tough and durable veteran with a lot of experience who’s seen a lot of different styles. We had our run-ins in the amateurs 7-8 years ago that were two great fights. I’m 2-0 against him so I know he wants to get me back”.

“I love this opportunity. When they presented the fight to me, I said yes right away. He’s a 2-time state champion, undefeated here in Minnesota so it’s going to be big”.

Minnesotans Javontae Starks, Marlin Sims, Joe James, Ryan Watson, as well as Ramiro Hernandez, Mladen Miljas, Mike Faragon, and Cem Kilic currently have slots on the show. More information on tickets and undercard bouts will be available soon.