Cappiello bring boxing back to Brockton

12.04 - BROCKTON --- Brockton fight promoter Rich Cappiello is bringing professional boxing back to the city that has produced two of the greatest boxers of all time. Cappiello, the president of Cappiello Promotions, will bring the second of his Mohegan Sun Fight Night New England boxing cards to the new Shaw's Center located next to Campanelli Stadium on April 26.

"This is a great opportunity for me and the city of Brockton," said Cappiello. "I promoted my first professional fight card at the Brockton Armory seven years ago. This is only my second time back in the city of Brockton but I think this fight card show how far my organization and the city has come. The Shaw's Center gives Brockton a place to showcase some rising stars in Brockton in a fight card that will be televised on Fox Sports New England."

The main event will feature Rhode Island's Peter Manfredo who at 16-0 with seven knockouts is one of the fastest rising stars in boxing. Manfredo will fight veteran Ronnie Johnson of Fayetville, Arkansas who has 19 wins including 11 knockouts in his career.

There will be a strong hometown flavor to the Cappiello Promotions fight card. Ian Gardner, named Rookie of the Year by one boxing publication, will take his 10-1 record into the ring against Michael McFail. Gardner has been in impressive in his last two fights including an eight-round decision over former Brazilian champion Luis Dos Santos 72 hours after knocking out Joe Lorenzi at the first Cappiello Promotions Mohegan Sun Fight Night New England card on St. Patrick's Day.

The pride of Brockton will be on the line when Dave Hamilton (15-10-1) will battle veteran Mike Culbert (26-4-1). Culbert is a former Massachusetts middleweight champion and both fighters have fought often in the gym, this time it will be for real. Two other fighters will be making their professional debut as Eric Pinrretta of New Bedford will fight Wayne Johnson of Somerville. Taunton's Harold Rodrigues will also be on the card.

The doors open at 6 p.m. on April 26 and the first fight is scheduled for 7:30. Ticket prices are $75 for gold ringside, $50 for ringside and $30 for general admission. For ticket information, call 508 587-5554 or 508 587-3370 or check out the website at www.cappielloboxing.com