24.05.05 – Boston-native Rodney Toney has returned to his roots for a proverbial crossroads fight June 3 against Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson, headlining “Expressway Jam,” presented by NER Promotions, at Freeport Hall (IBEW) in Dorchester (MA). Former California State light heavyweight champion Toney (26-4-4, 16 KOs), cousin of the much more famous James Toney, has been idle for the past 21/2 years.. His comeback fight against Wilson is the eight-round main event on “Expressway Jam.”
Back in 1994, Toney won a 10-round decision against Charles “Hachet” Brewer, who went on to become the IBF super middleweight champion, and a year later Rodney fought a draw against then unbeaten William Joppy (19-0) for the NABF middleweight championship.
Wilson (13-9-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Philadelphia, is a former WBF Intercontinental champion. He’s been in against the likes of Tarvis Simms and Antwun Echols.
“Toney has a good name and we believe he still has a lot of talent,” NER Promotions president Rick Brutti said. “This is an opportunity for him to get back in the ring against a quality opponent. Luis Hernandez had a stunning knockout win in our first show at Lowell and we wanted to bring him back. We also have some exciting, local fighters on this show.”
Hernandez (12-2, 6 KOs) is a 2000 Ecuadorian Olympian who’ll fight in the six-round co-feature. Local fighters scheduled to be on “Expressway Jam” include unbeaten Whitman welterweight “Nasty” Nick Morganelli (4-0, 3 KOs), 2004 New England Rookie of the Year; cruiserweight Tyrone Smith (3-0-1, 1 KO), Boston police officer; Irish middleweight John Paul Keane (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Dorchester; Dorchester junior welterweight Mike Bernal (2-1) and Tilton (NH) super middleweight Jose “Stinger” Medina (7-4, 2 KOs).
Tickets are priced at $100.00 for (VIP & ringside), 50,00 (reserved), and $30.00 general admission. Tickets may be ordered by going to www.ticketweb.com and will be on sale at the doors the night of the show. Doors open at 6 pm., first bout at 7:30 pm.
NER Promotions is a division of New England Ringside whose boxing interests also include a monthly magazine, weekly radio show (Thursday, 6-8 pm ET on WWZN 1510AM The Zone), and popular web site (www.newenglandringside.com). For more information about NER Promotions, New England Ringside or advertising/sponsorship inquires visit its web site or call 781.932.1190.