Boxing
Ian Gardner, The next great Brockton middleweight

16.04 - BROCKTON --- There is a proud boxing tradition in this city termed "The City of Champions". Ian Gardner is looking to become part of that tradition and those who know a thing or two about Brockton boxing think he has a very good chance to do so.

"He has all the tools," said well-known boxing trainer Goody Petronelli. "He has a huge future ahead of him. He is climbing the ladder faster than most of us expected he would but make no mistake, he has the talent to make a statement very soon."

Gardner's next challenge will be on April 26 and it will be in his hometown. Gardner, a native of Toronto, will be on the undercard of Cappiello Promotions' second Mohegan Sun Fight Night New England of the season. Gardner will fight Michael McFail on the undercard of the Peter Manfredo Jr.-Ronnie Johnson 10 round battle at the new Shaw's Center located next to Campanelli Stadium.

Gardner, who was voted as the New England Boxing Rookie of the Year in 2002 by one New England boxing publication, has the same trainer as Marvelous Marvin Hagler and has some of the same mannerisms. He has yet to reach Hagler's lofty status yet but the man who would know best thinks Gardner has what it takes to climb in the middleweight division.

"He is a different type of fighter than (Hagler)," said Petronelli. "He listens well, and is a good kid to train. He moves well and has nice combinations with good punching power. The most important thing is he believes in himself. He has been tested and is going to be tested in the future but I honestly believe he can bring yet another championship back to Brockton."

Gardner's last fight was his most impressive was his last effort in Baltimore last month when he beat Brazilian champion Luis Dos Santos. Gardner's opponent in that fight was a favorite and had won 15 of his 17 professional bouts by knockout. Gardner controlled the fight from the beginning and won all eight rounds on all three judge's scorecards to pick up his 10th career win.

"He went into that fight and (Dos Santos) people thought Ian was just going to be another opponent," said Petronelli. "I think Ian surprised them but we were not surprised. I think you will see in the next few months Ian will step up when it comes to the quality of his opponent."

Gardner will not be the only Brockton boxer on the April 26 card as two Brockton-based fighters will fight each other for bragging rights of "The City of Champions". Former Massachusetts title holder Mike Culbert will battle David Hamilton. The pair have sparred often in the gym but this time it is 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 &: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

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