Professional Title Fight Dubbed “International Warfare is Almost Upon Us
By John D’Onofrio
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
This historic boxing city has seen its fair share of amateur and professional fights over the last 100 years, especially in the last 20, and we’ve watched many locals go on to make a national name for themselves in the ultimate one-on-one sport.
In this century alone, thanks to arguably one of the best kickboxers/promoters in the world today, we’ve been witness to several local, state, regional and national championship bouts in boxing, kickboxing and various other MMA classifications.
The Kenan Center Arena has played host to some really big international fights. But nothing before or since is as big as this — especially this century.
Lockport’s Kenan Center Arena will host perhaps the biggest and most important fight card in Lock City history on Saturday, June 7, when United States Light Heavyweight Champion and No. 5 ranked cruiserweight in the world, Lockport’s Amer Abdallah, takes on European Champion James Wallis of the United Kingdom at the Kenan Center Arena.
A win will propel Abdallah into the world title shot he’s been dreaming about and talking about for decades.
“As I prepare for the most important fight of my life, I want to take a break from training camp to sincerely thank everyone for your continued support of my career,” Abdallah said. There’s good news in the Abdallah camp this week as trainer Jeff Mayweather, the uncle of pro boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., is arriving in Lockport on Friday to resume work with Abdallah.
“On June 7, I will fight the European champion, James Wallis, and with a victory, will earn a shot at the world title. At 36 years of age my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion is so close and within arm’s reach,” Abdallah said.
The June 7 Kenan card is laden with outstanding talent from top to bottom, including the return of Lockport’s light heavyweight knockout artist Joe “Son of a Legend” Taylor, Lockport heavyweight Andre “The Giant” Carroll, Lockport’s Kendrick Huston, popular women’s kickboxer, Damiana Andrello and several up-and-coming talents that include Lockport High School senior Tyler Rodier and Sweet Home junior Brandon Freiburger.
Wallis (19-5) has all of his losses at the hands of current or past world champions. “My preparations are excellent and well ahead of schedule” Wallis said from his Wales training camp.
“I love fighting away from home, sometimes you get booed but then its nice to hear them silenced as the fight goes on..that is motivating for me.”
Abdallah, who started training in Las Vegas at the Mayweather Boxing Club has since returned to Western New York and set up camp locally at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club on South Transit Road under strength and conditioning coach Greg Jones, as well as respected WNY MMA trainer and former fighter Corey Webster.
“I’ve never felt this strong, physically or mentally before a fight” Abdallah said. “I’m proud to be able to represent the United States and will do so with honor.”
The international card is stacked with local athletes, including Taylor, who recently signed a pro deal with Lace Up Promotions. Taylor, a New York State Golden Gloves champion, is making his return to kickboxing and is attempting to add to his undefeated win streak of 3-0.
Taylor’s former cornerman and longtime friend and training partner Kendrick Huston will also compete. Formerly trained by Taylor’s father, the late great Johnny Taylor, Huston had a handful of boxing fights over a decade ago, winning them all convincingly. This will be his first attempt at a comeback into the ring.
Freiburger, who has been training alongside Abdallah for the past year, will make his kickboxing debut as a welterweight.
Carroll will take on Ed Rodgers of Buffalo in what is hyped as the most controversial fight of the night, with both fighters sharing a war of words on social media.
Andrello, the daughter of undefeated professional champions Jim and Kim Andrello of Syracuse, will make her comeback to the ring against Toronto’s Amenzee Omonzawa.
