READING, PA — Big time boxing returns to the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA on Thursday, November 15th when Top Rank Promotions presents “Downtown Showdown,” featuring former two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman against veteran Sherman “The Tank” Williams in a ten round main event. The fight will be televised nationally on Versus “Fight Night Live,” hosted by Wally Matthews and Bob Papa..
Former champion Hasim Rahman (44-6-2, 35 KOs) is continuing his quest for another world title shot, having won his last three fights (two by knockout) since switching to Reading-based trainer Marshall Kauffman. With a win, Rahman is hoping to gain a shot at IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. In 2001, Rahman captured the undisputed heavyweight title with a spectacular 5th round knockout of Lennox Lewis, only to lose the title in the rematch. Tough ring veteran Sherman Williams (33-10-2, 19 KOs) has won his last eight bouts in a row, including three by knockout. A native of the Bahamas, he has only been stopped once in his career.
The ten round co-feature will pit tough Mexican welterweights Jesus Soto-Karass (17-3-3, 14 KOs) vs Juan Buendia (14-1-1, 8 KOs). In an exciting eight round welterweight bout, Reading’s Keenan Collins (12-3-1, 8 KOs) will face Lancaster’s Doel Carrasquillo (10-6-1, 8 KOs). Also featured will be Buddy McGirt-trained and former Arturo Gatti sparring partner Danny McDermott (4-0-1, 2 KOs) vs Reading’s Lucien Gonzalez (3-4, 1 KO). Other bouts will include Raymond Serrano (1-0, 1 KO) vs Jorge Delgado (4-6, 2 KOs), lightweight prospect Darnell Jiles (7-0, 3 KOs), heavyweight Anthony Gatt (5-0, 4 KOs), and the pro debut of two-time National Amateur Champion Jeremy Bryant.
The fight card will be promoted in association with King’s Promotions of Reading. Famed ring announcer Michael Buffer will be on hand, as well as former WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who will be there to lend support to friend Jesus Soto-Karass and former sparring partner Keenan Collins. The modern and spacious Sovereign Center in downtown Reading has played host to several exciting fight cards including Bernard Hopkins’ historic middleweight title defense against Carl Daniels in 2002, the WBA welterweight championship between Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis and Ricardo Mayorga in 2002, and the Telefutura televised fight between current IBF welterweight champ Kermit Cintron and Jesus Valverde in 2003.
Tickets are priced at $75, $50, $35 and $25 and will be available at the Sovereign Center box office at 700 Penn Street in Reading (610-898-7200) or at all Ticketmaster outlets (215-336-2000 or ticketmaster.com).