Ennis & Ferrante decision wins highlight the ESPN card at The Arena!

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Shalyte Promotions inaugural card at The Arena was a winner as they collaborated with Jimmy Burchfield and ESPN to provide a mostly competitive 9 bout card that was seen across the nation. On the local side, Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis made the TV portion of the show and delivered some post 4th of July fireworks, scoring two hard knockdowns during a competitive fight against Alabama tough journeyman John Mackey en route to a 6 round unanimous decision win. After a steady start from both men, Pooh almost sealed the deal in the 2nd round when he put Mackey on the canvas with a combination upstairs. Mackey did rise and actually fought hard enough to win some of the middle rounds. It was a good fight down the stretch and Ennis was the one looking to close the show as he put Mackey down hard late in the 6th with a head shot. Mackey got up again and weathered a late flurry to end the fight on his feet. Good showing for Ennis on national TV as he makes his case to secure a more meaningful fight in the near future.

Mayfair Light Heavy Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante found himself in the fight of his young career and dug deep down the stretch to pull out an 8 round majority decision win over the upset minded Billy Bailey of California. The fight had a steady theme, Ferrante headhunted and landed some good right hands upstairs or some well timed uppercuts while Bailey played the role of buzz saw, firing and landing hard hooks to the body. The momentum see-sawed from rounds 1 – 6. There were times where Bailey looked hurt, there were times where Ferrante’s tank seemed to have nothing but dust particles left. Throughout it all both kept on fighting. Ferrante gained a second wind when it matter most as he clearly took the final two rounds and was on the verge of a KO late in the 8th. Probably the best local fight in Philly so far this year.

In the TV co-feature, Light Heavy contender Chris Henry overcame a Shawn George SCUD missile attack in the early going, and after being force fed overhand right after right without budging, he turned the tide, gave his opponent a taste of his own medicine and eventually KO’d George late in the 5th round in one hell of a fight.

Olivia Fonseca scored a 3rd round KO with a body shot in her scheduled 4 rounds. Olivia, known for her wild brawls, actually sat back and boxed this time around and looked good doing it.

Jackie Davis pulled herself off the canvas in round 1 to win a clear cut unanimous decision in her 4 rounder. Rounds 2 – 4 were non stop Davis as she fought like it was now or never. Great show of heart from the Ivan Robinson trained boxer.

Angel Ocassio had some good moments in his pro debut. Good movement, good hand speed, seems to have some pop and brought a decent crowd with him. Did seem a little hesitant at times though offensively. Overall a solid start to his career.

Derek Webster beat up a guy who should never be allowed to lace up the gloves ever again. This one was mercifully stopped midway through the 1st.

In the TV main event, Sioux Falls native Shaun Hawk should have stayed on the reservation as he and Connecticut’s Matt Godfrey combined to put on a 10 round stinker that Godfrey won by unanimous decision to retain the NABF Cruiserweight title. Ran Nakash has nothing to fear if this is his competition at the next level…

Full write up with photos to come soon.

Big changes for July 10th, ESPN now coming to The Arena!

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In a strange, sudden, yet welcome turn of events, ESPN2 Friday Night Fights will come to The Arena Philly on July 10th piggyback style as two big name promoters (Burchfield & DiBella) with a locked TV date held the contracts to two important fights but were suddenly without a place to call home. After considering options in remote places like West Virginia, they decided come to the best fight town on earth and partnered up with a virtually unknown outfit called Shalite Promotions who have never had their name hanging from the banner before. The newcomers are off to a good start and this is one of those situations where everyone wins.

Now, the fans can see 11 fights with the TV portion being the highly regarded Matt Godfrey who will take on the undefeated Shawn Hawk for the NABF Cruiserweight championship in the new 12 round main event. The co-feature will be a Light Heavyweight match between surging Shaun George and Chris Henry in a scheduled ten round affair. Though none of these guys have any local connections, both main event and co-feature are evenly matched with high stakes.

The fight this page cares about is the one between North East Philly undefeated Lt. Heavyweight Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante (7-0, 4ko’s) challenging California’s Billy Bailey (8-3, 3ko’s) for the WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on July 10th. ESPN should make this the swing bout because it is a good fight, especially compared to the crap they been putting on lately. Ferrante has the hometown following and climbed the ladder in these parts, slowly but surly improving his game. After some early career decision wins, Boom Boom has knocked out his last 3 opponents. On the other hand Bailey was thought to be easy pickings when he first came to this town earlier this year as the last second B side replacement in a fight with this minor title at a stake. Like a Fishtown burglar, he took the hardware in less than 5 minutes and got out of dodge fast, leaving many to believe he would never been seen or heard from again in this area. Now he is back to the scene of the crime, will this be a fatal mistake or will be able to escape with Ferrante’s most prized possession, his 0!

Local Jr. Middleweight Derek Ennis (17-2-1, 12ko’s) has also been added to the card. No opponent has been named and the list of possibilities don’t seem to post much of a threat. It’s time for Pooh and his team to make a move and knock off a known name instead of shutting out another journeyman!

In a six round Super Featherweight affair, Coy Evans (4-0-1) of Philadelphia will take Darrell Martin (4-9-1, 1ko) of Baltimore.

Jackie Davis, 1-0 (1ko), a protege of “Mighty” Ivan Robinson will take on Rachel Clark (2-1, 2 KO’s) of Colombia, South Carolina in a four round ladies only Welterweight bout.

The very Popular Olivia Fonseca (2-2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia returns after a ten month hiatus when she takes on the capable Lisa Bolin (2-2, 2 KO’s) of South Carolina in a four round Welterweight bout.

Middleweight Derrick Webster (1-0) of Glassboro, New Jersey looks to follow up on a good debut when he takes on Roger Locklear (1-2) of South Carolina in a four round bout.

In a battle of pro debuting Heavyweight, Kareem Harrison of Philadelphia takes on Winston Thorpe of North Carolina.

Also making his pro debut will be Angel Ocassio in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tony Ferrante to box Billy Bailey @ The Arena

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Word out of North East Philly is that undefeated Lt. Heavyweight Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante (7-0, 4ko’s) will get to challenge California’s Billy Bailey (8-3, 3ko’s) for the WBC USNB on July 10^th @ The Arena in South Philly. All indications point towards it being a go though I haven’t gotten any confirmation from a promoter. If it does happen, it is an interesting match. Ferrante has the hometown following and climbed the ladder in these parts, slowly but surly improving his game. After some early career decision wins, Boom Boom has knocked out his last 3 opponents. On the other hand Bailey was thought to be easy pickings when he first came to this town earlier this year as the last second B side replacement in a fight with this minor title at a stake. Like a Fishtown burglar, he took the hardware in less than 5 minutes and got out of dodge fast, leaving many to believe he would never been seen or heard from again in this area. Now he is back to the scene of the crime, so will lightening strike twice? Stay tuned for more info.