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By John D’Onofrio
TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Accepting his fate as “God’s will” and making the best of a second opportunity to showcase his kickboxing talents, Lockport’s Amer Abdallah is preparing for the biggest fight of his professional career this weekend.
Abdallah will take on Cleveland’s Jessie Colone at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Lockport Kenan Center Arena — a familiar site for Abdallah pro fight cards in previous years when he skyrocketed to the top of the state light heavyweight class.
Unbeaten in the ring, Abdallah’s only setback came three years ago when he was involved in an identity theft ring that landed him two years in prison. Since his release last year, Abdallah (6-0) has concentrated on returning to the pro ring, while trying to teach others to learn from his experience.
“The one mistake you make can cost you everything and that’s what I stress to everyone,” Abdallah said.
“That sent me back three years, but this was meant to happen. This was God’s will and I accept it with open arms. I spend a lot of times questioning things, but this is what God willed for me. I accept it and make the best of it.
“This was the one and only mishap in my life before and after that,” Abdallah said.
“I tell kids I never had a drug in my body or alcohol. After 10 p.m., I turn into a pumpkin. I never go to bars. I will continue to live a positive life style and surround myself with positive people.”
A frequent public speaker to local youths, including a visit two weeks ago to students at Lockport Opportunity Projects at Charlotte Cross, Abdallah said “suppressed anger, frustration and bitterness” is what got him through his difficult time.
“This is my time to bring it to a stage. This is my outlet. There have been so many hurtful things said about me. I lived with those things for three years while I was in an environment that was the most radical, dangerous intense warfare you can live in. Saturday’s fight is those three years coming to a surface.”
Colone, 28, a former WKA champion and amateur superstar who boasts a stocky frame, is 13-2 as a pro.
Support for his return to the ring has been “overwhelming,” Abdallah said. His many local sponsors for this weekend’s card include Talkingphonebook.com, ADPRO Sports, Mullane Motors, Cain Witlin Dry Accounting, Carubba Collision, Papa Leo’s, the Fieldstone Restaurant and Mulvey Construction.
“These are the biggest and best sponsors I’ve ever had. Support in the community has never been as high as it is now,” Abdallah said.
Team Abdallah middleweight and martial arts head instructor Corey Webster will also be making his hometown comeback. Webster will take on tough Canadian Provincial champion, Jesse Ronson. Also representing the Lock City are Mike “Hands of War” Moyer, who will face Jesse Colone’s brother, Jason Colone. Matt Harrison, Eric “The Candyman” Plumeri and Jason Pettite round out the local fighters on the card.
The official weigh-in for these bouts is slated for 5 p.m. Friday at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club on South Transit Road and is open to the public.
For fight night tickets, go to Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. If the event is not sold out before Saturday, remaining tickets will be available at the door, on a first-come, first served basis.
