Boxing is making a comeback in Maine as undefeated Brandon “The Cannon” Berry, (7-0, 5KOs) takes on tough challenger, Eric Palmer (4-3-3, 1KO), in the main event at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine this Saturday, October 11th. This will be the first bout in Lewiston in over ten years and the first fight in this venue in over twenty years, which was made famous when Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston in their rematch bout for the World Heavyweight Belt in May 1965.
“Boxing is starting to come back in Maine and this fight is just another example of this sport becoming more and more popular here,” said Berry a West Forks, Maine native. “We expect a good crowd for this fight card and I know many of my loyal fans will be cheering me on.”
This six-round matchup will be for the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title. Berry and Palmer will fight more than four rounds for the first time in their professional careers as well as receive their initial opportunity to compete for a regional belt. Both orthodox boxers are ready for what should be an entertaining matchup.
“I`m extremely excited for this fight, especially with the belt being on the line,” said Palmer. “Training camp has been great and I`m more than ready for Saturday.”
The 23-year old Palmer will fight anyone, anywhere, even in fighters` backyards. He`ll do again this weekend as he takes on Berry in his home state. This year, he`s 2-2-1 and four of his last five bouts have been outside his residence of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
“I`ve had a great training camp and I believe my experience of facing good competition, like Kareem Martin, an outstanding amateur standout, will be the difference maker in this bout and help me prevail,” said Palmer.
Palmer has trained with former International Boxing Federation Champion, Paul Spadafora and boxes out of the same gym as Tommy Karpency, who defeated two-time World Boxing Council Title Holder, Chad Dawson last weekend.
The hard throwing Berry has won three fights this year including a first round technical knockout victory over Theo Desjardin in Manchester, New Hampshire, in his last outing. He dominated that bout until the referee quickly stopped the one- sided affair soon after the knockdown. Against Palmer, it`ll be a step-up in competition for Berry, as he faces his best and most experienced opponent, thus far in his young career.
“I got to rise to the occasion this weekend because I`m facing a hungry and tough opponent in Palmer who faced good opposition and is much better than his record indicates,” said Berry. “I`ve to establish my jab and remain patient and wait for openings in Palmer`s defense to effectively land my combinations and power punches and if I do that, I should win.”
Tickets for this main event and all the undercard fights start at $25.00 and can be purchased online at www.TheColisee.com or call the Colisee Box Office at 207-783-2009 x 525. For more information on this fight card, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.