BOXING: WILLIAMS-SANDS 2 JAN. 17 IN HINCKLEY

Cruiserweights Phil “The Drill” Williams (16-9-3, 14 KO’s) and “The Haitian Temptation” Al Sands (20-4-1, 18 KO’s) will battle again on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN. Both men signed fight contracts earlier tonight finalizing the 8 round main event rematch.

Sands, of Duluth, MN won the vacant cruiserweight state title in 2013 by stopping Lucas St. Clair and followed up a year later with a TKO title defense victory over Harley Kilfian. In 2015, Williams, of Minneapolis and Sands met in front of a fantastic crowd at The Grand Casino Hinckley. The performance by Williams was quick and explosive, winning the state cruiserweight title at 2:36 of the first round. Sands feels he was ready to continue and wasn’t given the chance to mount a comeback after rising to his feet following the fight ending knockdown however and the two have been looking to settle the score ever since. That chance will come on January 17th and both fighters tell Minnesota Fight News that they are excited to go toe-to-toe once again.

“Come out and enjoy the show” said Williams. “Fans from Duluth, and fans from the Cities come out and enjoy a good fight. The anticipation for the rematch is going to be a little more intense. I got the win the first time. So I know he’s going to be approaching the fight thinking he’s down one. I know he’s going to come a little harder. And now I’ve got something to protect.”

Both Williams and Sands looked good in their last outings. Sands appeared to be in top form following an 8 round majority draw against DeShon Webster (then 12-2) last August. The Haitian Temptation stood up to a few big punches and delivered an impressive display of boxing and heart. Many felt he had done enough to win that fight. Still, the fight showed that Sands is ready now more than ever to challenge Williams for the title he once held.

Williams had a successful comeback after two and a half years away from the ring earlier this month in a rematch with Brooklyn Parks’ Mengistu Zarzar. Williams dropped Zarzar early on and boxed well behind the jab to win the judges over at the end of 8 rounds. The fight was entertaining with both fighters showing well. Williams dislocated his left arm in the final round but says the injury will have no effect on the fight versus Sands.

“Williams and Sands both had real tough fights in the last half of the year and I believe both will be at their best for this rematch” said promoter Cory Rapacz. ” Sands is looking for redemption and Williams is looking to prove the first fight wasn’t an anomaly. These are two guys that I absolutely enjoy working with and this fight will continue the Grand Friday Night Fights tradition of settling local rivalries. This is a Minneapolis versus Duluth rematch that all the fight fans want to see. May the best man win.”

Other action currently scheduled includes a heavyweight match between Duluth’s Ryan Watson and Ray Ochieng of Minneapolis. Minnesota state super featherweight champion Ramiro Hernandez is slated to face Vincent Jennings of Michigan. Former MN state super lightweight champion Rondale Hubbert (13-10-2) will box Nebraska’s Jose Jacobo (7-1). Cruse Stewart, Joe James, and Marlin Sims will be featured in undercard action. Stay tuned for more coverage and interviews for this show.