Ian Gardner looks to step up

19.09 - The word is out on Ian Gardner.

Gardner, voted 2002 Rookie of the Year by a major boxing publication is ready for the next step in his career according to his trainer, the legendary Goody Petronelli.

"I have told his promoters that he needs to step up the level of competition," said Petronelli, the trainer for former middleweight world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. "He is on the borderline of greatness. I would say he would be ready for a world championship fight within the next year."

Gardner will be challenged on Sept. 26 as he will take on veteran Brett Lally on the undercard of the fifth Mohegan Sun FiteNite New England fight card of the year sponsored by Cappiello Promotions. That fight card will feature two of the more entertaining fighters in New England, Jeff "Hellraza" Fraza against Kevin "Cocky" Watts in the headline bout. Each man in the headliner will bring a belt into the ring; Watts holds the Massachusetts title and Fraza is the New England champion. 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. Gardner does not have as much on the line as Fraza or Watts but Gardner, who is living and training in Brockton, just like his idol, Hagler. However, he will be going against a fighter with a very respectable record (30-10) against some very respectable competition including Dana Rosenblatt and Vinny Pazienza.

"This is not going to be an easy fight for Gardner," said Petronelli. "Lally is a veteran who is tested and who is not going to panic if Gardner gets on a roll. Ian can expect this guy to go toe-to-toe with him."

Gardner was not very impressive in his last fight. 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.

"He won every round although I wish he could have settled down more in that fight," said Petronelli. "He had too much distance between him and Hadden for most of the fight. That guy was a puncher and I think Ian gave that too much thought. We have worked on that and like any young fighter he is still learning."

However, on Sept. 26, all eyes will be on Fraza and Watts who know the implications of this fight.

"There was no hesitation on the part of either fighter putting their championship belts on the line," said fight promoter Rich Cappiello. "They know what is at stake here and they are both focused on the job they have to do. There is a lot on the line for the winner of this fight and even more for the loser of it."

Fight promoter Rich Cappiello announced the rest of the lineup for the Sept. 26 card. Eddie Bishop of Stoughton will be looking to remain undefeated as he will fight Marcus Luck of North Carolina who is coming off a solid victory over LeBlanc on the last FightNite New England card held in Brockton in August.

The always entertaining heavyweight Harold Rodrigues of Taunton will fight Mike Beverly of Boston who will be looking for his second win in his second professional fight. Undefeated Melvin Cumba of Brockton will fight Walter Speight; Anthony Riviera will fight veteran Bernard Robinson and two fighters will be making their professional debut as Philip McCant will battle Terrance Watson.

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

0 comments