FIGHT NIGHT IN THE KEYS
By Aaron Skinner
Who is ready for an outdoor boxing show in the middle of January? You must think I am crazy for even suggesting that. Well welcome to Key West, Florida then! On January 16th, ESPN will be holding their weekly Friday Night Fights series live from Mallory Square promoted by DEJ Management and Promotions. While the rest of the United States will be covered with snow, pack your flip flops, shorts and sunscreen and get ready for an explosive night of boxing right on the waterfront at a place ESPN listed as one of its best venues for boxing in 2007.
In the Main Event of the evening, former WBO Welterweight champion, Carlos “El Indio” Quintana will be moving up to Light Middleweight to take on the always-dangerous Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert. In June of 2008 on HBO, Quintana pulled off a major upset to win his title over the heavily favored Paul Williams. The two time Nigerian Olympian, Eromosele Albert has been featured many times on ESPN. Albert holds victories over “The Contender” alumni David Banks, Daniel Edouard, Yori Boy Campas.
The Co feature of the evening showcases James “Buddy” McGirt Jr., the son of legendary champion and world class trainer, Buddy McGirt. The highly touted middleweight prospect will be facing off against Angel Hernandez from Chicago.
In a crossroads Heavyweight battle, Sherman “The Caribbean Tank” Williams takes on highly touted prospect Darrel “King David” Madison. Madison, a three-time New York Golden Glove Champion will be fighting an 8 round fight for only the second time in his career. Williams has fought a who’s who of heavyweights, and is riding a nine-fight win streak dating back to 2005. A win for either man will put himself into a possible world ranking and in contention for a future title shot.
A total of seven fights are scheduled for the card including two local Key West fighters, Danny “White Lion” Van Staden and Sergei “Iron Bull” Ganjelashvilli fighting in separate bouts. This is certainly a card Ernest Hemingway would be proud of. Tickets are available online at keystix.com or by calling 305-292-0486. The first bell rings at 7:00pm with gates opening at 6:00pm.
