Boxing

Fraza camp says he is ready

11.09 - Revere --- Jeff Fraza is well aware of his geography. He is the holder of the New England of the New England junior welterweight title but ironically there is one title he does not hold. Kevin Watts is the Massachusetts champion which does not sit well with the Fraza camp.

"What is the sense of being New England champion if you cannot claim the Massachusetts championship," said Norman Fraza, Jeff's father and manager.

The fifth Mohegan Sun FightNight New England fight card produced by Cappiello Promotions will feature two of the more entertaining fighters in New England, "Hellraza" Fraza against "Cocky" Watts. When it is all said and done, only one man will walk out with both belts and will be the best junior welterweight in New England.

The Mohegan Sun FightNight New England fight card will take place at Club Lido, formerly known as the Wonderland Entertainment Complex on Sept. 26. The Fraza-Watts fight is the headline bout of the evening. Ian Gardner, the promising Brockton middleweight will also fight on this card against a yet to be determined opponent. The rest of the fight card will be announced at a later date.

Fraza, who is healthiest he has been in 2003, has a history with Watts. They have not fought at the professional ranks but the Fraza camp states the two junior middleweights fought six times as amateurs, with Fraza winning five times.

"We know the kid," said Norman Fraza. "This is a good matchup for Jeff, Jeff is the far better boxer. I hope he fights the same kind of fight he fought against Jimmy LeBlanc on St. Patrick's Day. If he does that, Jeff will be all over him."

That Watt's fight was stopped 16 seconds into the eighth round when Watts hit LeBlanc with a shot to the head that opened a cut over LeBlanc's right eye that could not be stitched. LeBlanc claimed the "shot" was actually a head butt but could not convince the referee. At the time, LeBlanc was ahead on two judges' scorecards 68-64 and was tied on the third, 66-66 but when he walked out of the ring, it was Watts who had the belt as the Massachusetts champion.

The Fraza camp is hoping this fight will be in the true manner of a championship bout.

"Let's stand toe-to-toe and see who the best man is at the end," said Norman Fraza. "He is going to want to run around but people don't pay money to see fighters run. It's going to be a war and the best man will win."

Gardner, voted New England Rookie of the Year by one New England boxing publication, is looking to bounce back from his most tentative performance of the year. On Aug. 9 at the Brockton Fairgrounds, Gardner was not on top of his game but had more than enough to win a decision from journeyman Dave Hadden. The crowd was not pleased with the first two rounds of this fight as neither fighter offered much of an attack. Gardner changed the course of the fight in the fourth when Hadden went to the canvas hard after a slip. Gardner saw his opportunity to change the momentum and although he did not get the knockout he did seize control in that round. Gardner was in control for the rest of the fight.

The doors of Club Lido open at 6 p.m. on Sept. 26 and the first fight is scheduled for 7:30. Ticket prices are $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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