Latest News

Lockport’s Joe Taylor Makes a June 8, 2013 Date with Destiny

By John D’Onofrio
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Lockport’s Joe Taylor is used to knocking people down.

The star tailback on the city’s semi-pro football team, the Lockport Rampage, Taylor is considered one of the league’s toughest runners. Not only is he difficult to bring down running away from people, he can dish out his own degree of damage while running through linebackers and linemen twice his size.

Taylor, the son of the late great Lock City professional boxer Johnny Taylor, is hoping to channel his genetic strengths on June 8 when he enters the ring for the first time at the Kenan Arena.

Taylor said his decision to fight as an amateur kickboxer was spurred on by the death of his father earlier this year and believes his date with destiny is long overdue.

“I’ve been fighting and training my whole life. I just never got into the ring,” Taylor said this week, while working out at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Center on South Transit Road. “When my dad passed, something hit me between the eyes and I felt, ‘Lets do it now.’”

Taylor will take on Jay Boyd of Syracuse in a three-round heavyweight bout in the highly-anticipated June 8 Kenan fight card.

The main event will feature Lockport’s Amer Abdallah making his fourth straight WKA United States light heavyweight championship title defense. Abdallah (13-0) will take on Baltimore’s Robert Katzfey, who boasts a 10-2 pro kickboxing record and is currently 3-3 in mixed martial arts competition. The WKA-sanctioned title fight is a scheduled 10-rounder.

Other Lockportians on the Kenan card include heavyweight Dominic Esposito, who’s making his return to the ring after a three-decade absence.

Taylor said he’s excited to part of such a large, well-organized international fight card.

“I don’t care who it is I’m fighting, really,” Taylor said. “I’m going to try and take everything I can that my father and my trainers have taught me and use it to be successful. One thing my father taught me was the value of a good jab.”

Taylor’s reach is impressive — close to 80 inches — said one of Lockport’s premier MMA trainers and fighters Corey Webster.

“The jab is a dangerous punch and with the reach I have — they say I have a long reach — Corey’s one of the best out there and he’s helping me to finesse my jab, so I won’t be afraid to use it to my advantage.”

Taylor, who just turned 29, said he’s dedicating his first fight to not only his father, but his three sons as well, Joe Jr., 10; Javon, 8; and Jaymis, 7.

“All the training I’ve done for this fight has been worth it — and to be able to work with people like Amer and Corey. It’s been a great experience,” Taylor said.

“I’m going to continue to follow my dream until somebody proves me wrong.”

The weigh-in for the June 8 fight card is slated for 6 p.m. Friday at Lock 34 in downtown Lockport.

Click here to see the original article

WKA U.S. Champ Will Defend His Title June 8 at the Kenan Arena

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Just weeks away from the “Road To Glory” professional kickboxing fight card at the Lockport Kenan Arena, hometown warriors — including WKA United States Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion Amer Abdallah — are finalizing their preparation.

On Saturday night, June 8, Abdallah (13-0) will defend his WKA title for the fourth time on Lockport turf, this time against Robert Zaftkey of Baltimore. Zaftkey boasts a 10-2 pro kickboxing record and is currently 3-3 in Mixed Martial Arts competition. The WKA-sanctioned fight is a scheduled 10-rounder.

Last month, the World Kickboxing Association ranked Abdallah among the Top 10 in the world, placing him in line for a world title fight.

“We have to keep winning and winning big,” Abdallah said.

Having spent half of his present training camp in the Mayweather Boxing club in Las Vegas, Abdallah, who’s now back home training in Lockport, said he’s taken his boxing skills to a new level.

“The Mayweather-style is perfect for Amer who, likes to counter off of his opponents,” said Abdallah’s manager Ahmed Imamovic. “I’m always amazed at how quickly Amer picks up on new techniques and strategies.”

World-renowned trainer Jeff Mayweather will be the new face in Abdallah’s’ corner, along with long-time trainers Lockport’s Corey Webster and Jim Andrello. Jeff Mayweather is the uncle of one of the world’s most recognizable pro fighters today, Floyd Mayweather Jr., an undefeated five-division world champion.

Meanwhile, making his kickboxing debut on the card is “Son of a Legend” Lockport’s Joe Taylor, who will take on Jay Boyd of Syracuse in a three-round bout in the heavyweight division.

Known for his superior athletic ability and heavy-handed power, Taylor’s debut is anticipated to be one of the most action-packed of the evening. Taylor currently stars as the starting tailback on the Lockport Rampage semi-pro football team and he’s the son of Lock City boxing great Johnny Taylor, who passed away recently.

And after a hiatus of more than three decades, popular Lockport city worker Dominic Esposito will climb back into the ring one last time.

“I was shocked when he told me he wanted to fight, but he came in and put in hard work,” Abdallah said. “He wants to make his family and community proud of him. Because of that, I couldn’t say no.”

Esposito will fight in the heavyweight division against Steven Wilson of Syracuse in a 3-round bout.

Click here to see the original article

Lockport Light Heavyweight Professional Will Defend His U.S. Title June 8 at the Kenan Center Arena.

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Lockport light heavyweight Amer Abdallah recently received the news he’s been waiting for his entire professional kickboxing career — he’s been ranked in the Top 10 by the World Kickboxing Association and is in contention for a WKA world title fight.

“My goal from the first day I put gloves on was to deliver a world title to my hometown of Lockport,” said Abdallah, who left earlier this week to resume training at the world famous Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. “Now my dream is becoming a reality. At this stage of my career, the question isn’t’ ‘Who’s going to let me?,’ but ‘Who’s going to stop me?’ ”

Abdallah, 35, will defend his United States WKA light heavyweight championship on June 8 at the Kenan Center Arena. An opponent has yet to be announced, but others on the undercard will include Pat “The Real Deal” Thompson, the debut of Joe Taylor — son of the late great Johnny Taylor — and the return to the ring of 52-year-old local favorite Dominic Esposito.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the star-studded Kenan fight card will go on sale May 3 at the Lockport Athletic club (439-5232) and Ticketmaster.com.

At 13-0 Abdallah has successfully defended his title twice in Lockport. With a win in June, Abdallah jumps into the Top 5 in the WKA rankings and will be in line for the coveted world title.

Abdallah has added quite an arsenal in his training camp, bringing in former world boxing champion and world renowned boxing trainer Jeff Mayweather to his coaching team.

“Floyd Jr. will be in camp finalizing his preparation for his upcoming fight and it will be amazing to be in camp with him,” Abdallah said. “I’m truly honored they invited us to hold camp there.”

Mayweather said he will work his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s corner in his upcoming world championship fight on May 5 in Las Vegas.
“Amer and I already have a wonderful relationship outside of the ring and I think together we will make a great team and continue to add to his already illustrious career,” Mayweather said.

Team Abdallah manager Ahmed Imamovic is equally excited about the Mayweather connection and feels it’s the perfect fit for Abdallah.
“Amer has always had great coaching throughout his career. We’re currently working with head coach Corey Webster and assistant trainer Jim Andrello, who have been perfect for Amer’s style. A guy like Jeff Mayweather only makes him that much better.”

Abdallah’s team will wrap up camp in Las Vegas before heading back to Lockport, where they will finish training at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club on South Transit Road and Webster’s Western New York MMA in Buffalo. Mayweather will fly in shortly afterwards to join them for the fight.

The June 8 fight card at the Kenan will be sponsored by long-time community supporters Local Edge (Jeff Folckemer), Mulvey Construction (Tim Mulvey), All Metal Works (Dominick Cileberto), Witlin, Cain & Dry (Scott Cain) and Executive Landscaping (Anthony Butera).

In addition, Lockport’s Papa Leo’s will provide pizza and concessions for the event.

Click here to see the original article

Former IBO Champion, Now Trainer is Highly Respected.

By John D’Onofrio
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Lockport’s Amer Abdallah, the reigning WKA United States Light Heavyweight champion has his sights set on bringing home the first world title to Lockport with a June bout in sights.

At 13-0 (7 KOs), Abdallah is currently the No. 1 ranked kickboxer in the country.

“At this point in my career I feel stronger, faster and smarter than ever. At 35, the odds are stacked against me, I’m stacked against the odds,” Abdallah said.

To help capture his life-long dream, Team Abdallah has sought out one of the most respected boxing trainers in the sport, former IBO champion Jeff Mayweather.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Jeff for quite some time and have seen him work with countless world champions. I love how he trains guys in the gym and more importantly than all of that, he is an absolute class act. I’m confident what Jeff brings to the table will help me win a world title,” Abdallah said.

Mayweather, who once held the IBO Super Featherweight world boxing title, comes from the world famous Mayweather family, including brothers Roger and Floyd Sr. Mayweather and nephew, boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather.

All of the Mayweathers train out of the infamous Floyd Mayweather Boxing gym in Las Vegas.

“I’m anxiously looking forward to working with Amer, he’s almost like family,” Mayweather said.

“I’ve only heard good things about him and I hope to add to what he already posses. We already have a wonderful relationship outside of the ring and I think together we will make a great team and continue to add to his already illustrious career.” Mayweather stated.

Abdallah plans on holding his next training camp between both the Mayweather gym & the Lockport Athletic Club in preparation for his next fight.

“Having been in the Mayweather Gym over the past few months and seeing the caliber of fighters that train there really motivates me. You have to be sharp and at your best all the time,” Abdallah saidd. A tentative date of June 8 has been set for his return to the ring.

“I was raised in Lockport, went to school in Lockport, opened my fitness club in Lockport and cut from Lockport cloth. It will be an honor to deliver a world title to my hometown that has stuck with me through thick and thin.”

Click here to see the original article

A Lace Up Promotions sponsored kickboxing fight, that was hyped to question Amer Abdallah’s time left in the sport, was answered decisively on November 17.

Abdallah, the reigning World Kickboxing Association United States Light Heavyweight Champion faced Cleveland Ohio’s “Iron Dragon” Tiawan Howard at the Kenan Arena in Lockport, NY. Howard a veteran of Bellator and over 20 professional MMA bouts as well as over 20 years of martial arts experience was expected to bring out the best in Abdallah and test his will. “I’m a warrior and that’s why I accepted this fight. You better believe that I’m coming to fight and bring Hell.” Howard stated. “My experience will give me enough insight to defeat Amer (Abdallah).”

Abdallah, who trains at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club brought on former student and current head striking coach at WNY MMA, Corey “The Story” Webster as head trainer of his training camp. “I was very comfortable with the way Amer’s preparation went in camp and was confident in Corey’s ability to get Amer to where he needs to be, come fight night.” Team Abdallah Manager Ahmed Imamovic stated. “We have a great team behind Amer in Gina Nowak-his longtime strength and conditioning coach, Jim Andrello- Assistant Trainer, and “Baby” Joe Mesi as his adviser.”

In response to Howard’s statement, Abdallah replied, “Tiawan brings a lot of experience and talent to this fight and I’m happy to be challenged by his skill. I hope he does “bring Hell”, I’ll drag him through every inch of it.”

From the opening bell of their fight dubbed “Pride & Glory”, Abdallah was in control. A solid attack of body kicks and punches slowed the powerhouse Howard down in the first and second rounds. “He was throwing a lot of power shots that gave me the indication he was looking for an early night” Abdallah said. “I like to put money in the bank each round and cash in later, and that’s exactly what we did.” The body shots took the wind out of the Cleveland native and by the 4th round was gasping for air. A picture perfect spinning wheel kick landed flush on the bridge of Abdallah’s nose and caused it to begin bleeding throughout the bout. “It was a perfect shot and I misjudged it by an inch,” Abdallah stated.

Howard began each round strong until the body assault began and midway through the rounds was beginning to feel the fatigue. A front kick Abdallah landed in the midsection of Howard sent him to the canvas for the first time in the 3rd round. He was able to get up and fight back, finishing the round on his feet. The 4th round had Abdallah come out aggressive and picking up the pace. A left hook followed by straight right sent Howard to the canvas again and was saved by the bell. Abdallah’s corner felt the urge to finish the fight early and Abdallah came out and stood in the center of the ring prior to the bell for the start of the 5th. A durable and strong Howard attempted a rally, but was met with vicious body and head kicks that had him holding on for the entire round. Immediately after the round, Howard crashed down on his stool and was unable to answer the bell for the 6th round, giving Abdallah a TKO victory and improving to 13-0.

“I’m happy with my performance and would rate it a B-“ Abdallah stated. “I feel great at this point in my career and am looking forward to bringing a World Title home to Western New York.”

Click here to see the original article