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Fight Results from November 21, 2015

• Scott Skinner (Buffalo) unanimous decision win over Kyle Varvallo (South Kingstown, R.I.). Scores were 30-27, 29-28, 30-27.
• Michael Veith (Liverpool, N.Y.) unanimous decision win over Brandon Pizano (Buffalo). Scores were 29-27, 30-27, 29-27.
• Sean Felton Sr. (Buffalo) unanimous decision win over Ian Niblett (Whitby, Ontario). Scores were 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
• Sol Renfro (Buffalo) split decision win over Daniel Stewart (Toronto). Scores were 30-27, 29-28, 28-29.
• Tyler Rodier (Lockport) split decision win over Tyler Mesi (Buffalo). Scores were 29-28, 28-29, 30-27.
• Ali Kimmons (Lockport) knockout win over Chuck Jewell (Rochester) :59 of the first round.
• Brad Vargason (Auburn) knockout win over Dennis Brown (Elmira) 1:10 of the third round.
• Richie Ridgeway (Liverpool, N.Y.) unanimous decision win over Anthony Leonard (Buffalo). Scores were 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
• Ayanna Tramont (Buffalo) knocked out Vanessa Nesbitt (South Kingstown, R.I.) 1:58 of the first round.
• Pat Thompson (Lockport) knocked out Ryan Nesbitt (Rochester) 1:07 of the first round.
• Sean Felton (Buffalo) knocked out Mike Moyer (Lockport) :25 of the second round.
• Joe Taylor (Lockport) unanimous decision win over Doug Holland (South Kingstown, R.I.). Scores were 50-45, 50-45, 50-45.

Fight results by John D’Onofrio, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal.
Original article >

By Michael Mroziak
WBFO

It’s not often that the challenger in a world title fight can arrange to have the bout hosted in his hometown. But Lockport’s Amer Abdallah will get to try for the World Kickboxing Association light heavyweight championship in front of a hometown crowd Saturday night.

Abdallah, who now trains in Las Vegas, is ranked by the WKA as the second-best kickboxer in the world. His quest for the title could have ended up in places including Germany and Dubai, which were under consideration. But Abdallah, who runs a kickboxing promotion firm known as Lace Up Promotions, had the means to secure the fight in Lockport’s Kenan Center, where his fight will headline a full card on Saturday night, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Our promotion company started getting so big and recognized that when it came time to be able to bid for these big fights, we were a big player,” Abdallah explained in a telephone interview. “I was able to use my leverage as a promoter. I said this is where we want the fight, we won the bid for the fight and we made it happen right where we want it to happen.”

Abdallah will fight in the main event against the current champion, Gareth Richards of South Wales, United Kingdom. The local fighter holds the WKA’s Intercontinental title, which he described as a title one rung of the ladder below the world championship.

He told WBFO that Western New Yorkers are dedicated sports fans who will step up to support their local teams or athletes. He’s hopeful fans will come forward – even casual ones – and support him just like the local community did for Joe Mesi when the latter was rising in the ranks in traditional pro boxing several years ago.

Mesi finished his career undefeated but was forced into retirement by a serious injury. Abdallah pointed to “Baby Joe” as the one who paved the way for pro fighters like him. Mesi’s nephew, coincidentally, is scheduled to fight on Saturday night’s undercard.

Kickboxing is one of the fighting sports from which competitors often move on to mixed martial arts. MMA is banned in New York State but has gained supporters in Albany over the past couple of year. Some think there may finally be enough support to legalize MMA in 2016.

Supporters say legalized MMA will create a new revenue stream within New York. Abdallah’s trainer, Dewey Cooper, looks to the prospect of legalized MMA as a chance for some of Abdallah’s clients to go on a career path that will let them compete in their home state.

“It also proves the point on what the ultimate art actually is,” Cooper said. “Are the kickboxers dominating the sport? Are the boxers dominating the sport? Are the wrestling or jujitsu guys dominating the sport? I think it just enhances all fight sports.”

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Abdallah Camp Picks Up Pace for Nov. 21 Kenan Arena World Title Fight

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

An historic international mixed martial arts card in three weeks will feature the Lock City’s first ever professional world title fight.

Lockport’s No. 2 world ranked Amer Abdallah (16-0) will take on defending world champion Gareth Richards of Wales, United Kingdom, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Kenan Center Arena.

Tickets for the expected sellout fight card are available in person at Molinaro’s Ristorante, 90 Walnut St., or online at Ticketfly.com.

“We could have landed this fight anywhere, but I chose to have it here. This is where my career began and this is where I’ll win my world title,” said the undefeated ring magician Abdallah, while training this week at his team’s headquarters at the world famous Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. Running the Abdallah training camp are renowned boxing coach Jeff Mayweather and two-time World Kickboxing champion Dewey Cooper.

“We work hard everyday — twice sometimes three times a day in extreme heat,” Abdallah said. “Most days, roadwork is in 100-plus degree weather outside and inside the gym it’s over 85 degrees while we’re sparring and working. I keep telling myself, pay the price now and live the rest of your life a world champion.”

Cooper and Mayweather have picked up sparring days for Abdallah this week to ensure he will be in prime shape for his Nov. 21 world title shot. New strength and conditioning coach Jeff Main has also been added to the team at the beginning of camp to work on Abdallah’s speed, strength and explosiveness.

“We have an amazing team and I’m very comfortable with my trainers” Abdallah said. “On Nov. 21, I’m going to unleash hell for the world to witness.”

The Kenan’s Nov. 21 undercard features several local favorites as well, including the “Candyman” Eric Plumeri, who will make his long awaited professional debut.

Lockport’s “Son of a Legend” Joe Taylor will be back in action and looks to move one step closer to his own professional career.

Photo Above:

Lockport’s Amer Abdallah, center, is flanked by boxing coach Jeff Mayweather, left, and Dewey Cooper after a sparring session this week at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. The undefeated No. 2 world-ranked Abdallah, 16-0, will take on defending world champion Gareth Richards of Wales, United Kingdom, on Saturday night, Nov. 21, for the WKA Light Heavyweight Championship of the World back at the Kenan Arena. It’s the Lock City’s first-ever world title fight of any kind.

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FIGHT: It’s Amer Abdallah versus Gareth Richards of Wales, UK, on Nov. 21 at the Kenan Center Arena

By John D’Onofrio
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

It’s been a lifetime in the making.

Finally, a date, an opponent and a location have been set. Lockport’s Amer Abdallah, the No. 2-ranked cruiserweight kickboxer in the world, will challenge defending WKA world champion Gareth Richards of Wales, UK, Nov. 21 at the Kenan Center Arena.

It’s the first-ever world title fight in Lockport’s long and proud boxing/kickboxing/mixed martial arts history. Tickets for the event will go on sale at 5 p.m. on Oct. 16, at Ticketfly.com.

Abdallah, who currently boasts an undefeated 16-0 record, said he isn’t concerned about the biggest fight of his life landing after his 38th birthday.

“I could have won a world title while I was in my 20s, but I decided to pursue my business ventures and put my professional fighting career on the backburner,” Abdallah said. “I fight because I want to, not because I have to. I’ve always believed in myself to beat any man in front of me and this fight won’t be any different.”

Having been raised in Lockport, Abdallah has had the luxury of fighting at home throughout most of his professional career.

“One of my business ventures was starting Lace Up Promotions, where I became my own promoter. I didn’t have to answer to anyone or fight anywhere I didn’t want to. I built my team, structured the organization and developed several markets,” he said.

Currently, Lace Up Promotions hosts events in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, as well as in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

“We have a great organization and having me host the first ever world title fight and win it at home, only adds to Lace Up Promotions track record,” Abdallah said.

Abdallah said he fought hard to land a world title fight in his hometown.

“With the financial challenges to land such an event in Lockport, we had some great people behind us help get the job done,” Abdallah said. “For the first time in Western New York history, a local will fight for a world title in Western New York. I can’t tell you how proud I am that we were able to get this done.”

Team Abdallah will hold training camp in Las Vegas at the world famous Mayweather Boxing Club, under the direction of Head Boxing Coach Jeff Mayweather and kickboxing coach, two-time world champion Dewey Cooper. Abdallah has big guns in his corner and it’s just the way he likes it.

“I’m the best kickboxer and it’s only suitable to have the best trainers in the world,” Abdallah said.

Joining Abdallah in Vegas will be WNY MMA Head Trainer Corey Webster, a Lockport native, and Jim Andrello from the respected Team Andrello out of Liverpool, N.Y. — Abdallah’s long time trainers.

“Amer will be stronger, faster and sharper than you’ve ever seen him before,” Cooper said. “I’m proud to be a part of Team Abdallah and am confident that Amer will seize this moment and take home the world title.”

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Lace Up Promotions Kickboxer Kevin VanNostrand Comes Out on Top in June 13 Fight to Gain Ranking

He’s dubbed “the most electrifying fighter of our time” and on June 13, Kevin VanNostrand reminded us why. Having turned professional in the sport of Muay Thai just 18 months ago, the Liverpool, N.Y. native made his mark on the kickboxing event dubbed “Supremacy” in Lockport, attaining the No. 1 ranking in the United States.

With just eight professional fights under his belt, the World Kickboxing Association authorized him to fight for the vacant WKA United States Full Rules Muay Thai title against veteran Justin Greskiewicz, the current WBC and WMC world champion. Greskiewicz, a Philadelphia native with more than 40 professional fights, was amongst the most respected names in the Muay Thai world, having fought some of the elite fighters from across the globe.

On June 13, VanNostrand and Greskiewicz met in Lockport N.Y. to battle for the coveted national No. 1 ranking. Ringside commentators and most critics expected a slow first round with both fighters measuring and feeling each other out before engaging in faster action.

“I knew this wasn’t going to start slow,” said VanNostrand’s promoter, Amer Abdallah. “It’s just not Kevin’s style.”

VanNostrand came out blazing with knees and elbows from the opening bell, landing an elbow flush on Greskiewicz’s chin and opening a large gash. VanNostrand followed with a knee that sent Greskiewicz to the canvas. WKA referee Vinny Chapple immediately called a halt to the bout and had ringside physician Dr. Mikhail Strut examine the cut, which continued to bleed profusely. Initially, the bout was called off due to the extent of the cut, but Chapple allowed Greskiewicz’s corner to stop the bleeding. After brief confusion regarding whether the bout would continue or not, Chapple allowed the two to reengage in battle.

VanNostrand picked back up where he left off with lunging knees and elbows, dropping Greskiewicz again to the canvas once again. The resilient Philly native beat the count and continued to attempt to nullify VanNostrand’s unorthodox attack but was unable to do so. With less than one minute remaining in the round, Greskiewicz looked over at referee Vinny Chapple and said “I’m done.” The bout was immediately stopped and VanNostrand declared the winner by first round TKO, giving him the No. 1 ranking in the United States.

“I can’t explain how proud I am of this young man,” Abdallah said. “Kevin VanNostrand has worked so hard to get where he is today and his potential for making a huge name for himself in this sport is huge.”

A Sept. 26 bout in Syracuse has been confirmed as VanNostrand’s next. With just nine professional bouts, a No. 1 U.S. ranking, and a streak that has never been seen before, VanNostrand is expected to take the Muay Thai world by storm.

VanNostrand had a stellar amateur career consisting of more than 15 fights. Almost all of them were won by knockout victory. He’s fought Canadian champions, United States champions, and even world champions, defeating them all. He ended his amateur career with a No. 1 world ranking by the World Kickboxing Association after dismantling the previous world champion in just one round. Having claimed the highest title in the amateur ranks, Abdallah decided to turn him professional.

VanNostrand has fought on the world famous GLORY Kickboxing series, with the majority of his fights in N.Y. on Lace Up Promotions events.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to bring the best fighters from across the country to fight Kevin right here at home,” Abdallah said. “Kevin is just getting started!”

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