GM Ross – He’s quick, he’s talented, he’s super middleweight rookie Junior ‘the Show’ Dann. A product of Syd Vanderpool’s Kitchener stable, Dann makes his professional debut next month against Wayne Cudney at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, Ontario. I had the pleasure of sparring with Dann while he was training in London recently and, despite my best efforts, show plenty of wear and tear from the experience. After watching Dann slash through sparring partners on a visit to Boomerz Boxing Club in London, I figured I’d see how it felt to be in the ring with ‘the Show.’ Although I spar regularly, I’m a big, slow, green, heavyweight.. So, I stepped through the ropes, waited for the bell and figured I’d do what I always do – back the fighter up with jabs, press him to the ropes and crash forward with hooks. I was peppered with shots from every angle – angles I’d never been exposed to before or considered. Dann’s remarkable flexibility allowed him to fight in tight with me, sneaking uppercuts through my guard from positions I thought would surely neutralize such punches. I then resorted to some ugly, clinch and punch tactics, but soon realized that Mr. Dann was much stronger than the others I’d sparred in his weight class. He was able to rough house me about the ring, setting up punches when he wanted, from where he wanted. Now, I’m no amateur standout. Hell, I’m not even a legitimate prospect. I do, however, know talent when I spot it (or in this case, take it on the nose) and Dann is oozing it. Needless to say, I’ll be in attendance next month in Brampton to see the beginning of what should be a successful professional career for Junior ‘the Show’ Dann.
Canadian Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) president Don Collette has informed Eastsideboxing.com that the CPBC heavyweight title will be up for grabs when Tye Fields of Edmonton and Ray Olubuwale of Toronto meet on July 24, 2010, in Edmonton, Alberta. According to Collette, “Since Olubuwale lost his title to Greg Kielsa 17 months ago, he’s been calling out Kielsa in an attempt to get a shot with no success.” With Kielsa losing his title convincingly to Neven Pajkic, and rumours circulating regarding a Kielsa-Pajkic rematch, Olubuwale has moved in a different direction. Tye Fields is undeniably one of the most well travelled and successful heavyweights in Canadian boxing today. He has amassed a record consisting of 45 fights, with only two defeats. His most notable victory came back in 2005 when he needed less than two rounds to knockout former WBA world champion Bruce Seldon. CPBC president Don Collette is very pleased with the match-up, informing Eastsideboxing.com that: “the CPBC is very excited to have two fighters the calibre of Tye and Ray to fight for our title. We believe the winner will represent the country well as a heavyweight champion.”
The May 1, 2010, contests scheduled for the Brantford Civic Centre are fast approaching and it seems Adnan Shahkaran is in the market for a new opponent. Shahkaran’s scheduled opposition, Artem Lipanov, has pulled out of the fight, causing a scramble for a replacement. This must come as a disappointment to Shahkaran who had been preparing diligently for Lipanov. The headliner for May 1 in Brantford will be world class contender Sandy Tsagouris of Toronto versus Diana Ayala of Colombia. In other action hometown welterweight Isaac Maich will take on Eric Johnson, Chris and Dave Aucoin meet John Abbott and Gregorio Jimenez respectively, and Hagersville featherweight Kara McLeod meets Bernadette Hume of Toronto.
Finally, just a reminder that Jeannine Garside and Lindsay Garbatt meet this evening in Duncan, British Columbia, for the WIBA featherweight title. Local kick boxers and mixed martial artists will provide the undercard entertainment. Also on tap for tonight is “Battle of the Badges II: FDNY vs New England Law Enforcement” at the Boston Athletic Club. A good evening of amateur boxing is expected, with proceeds going to Scientific Social Solutions. The fights are available via pay-per-view at nesportstv.com.