Cornwall, Ontario, Canada’s Tony “Lightning” Luis is set to return to the ring in the co-featured bout of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2015, from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.
In his first fight since his highly controversial “loss” to England’s Derry Matthews for the WBA World Championship last April, WBA #14-rated Luis will face New York (via Dominican Republic) veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
“Training is going great!” said an upbeat-sounding Luis. “Edward Valdez is a tough, seasoned veteran who can surprise anyone if you sleep on him. He gave Ivan Redkach eight hard rounds and that’s the Valdez I’m preparing for.”
Luis did a nice job in his first assignment as color commentator. He worked the Kayode vs. Kisner broadcast from Beale Street last month. “The commentating gig in Memphis was a great experience. I always wanted that job as a kid and it felt like I had been doing it all my life. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself and look forward to doing it again in the future.”
A popular figure in his hometown and throughout his native Canada, Luis also adds that he’s looking forward to a strong showing from his countrymen, as Niagara Falls is a very short distance from Canada.
“Fighting so close to the Canadian border I’m hoping for a good turnout from my fellow Canadian supporters! I plan on putting on a great show for them and the national television viewers. I hope the strength of this performance will propel me into another world title fight and this time I plan on taking the belt home.”
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the night’s 10-round main event will feature WBA #11- and IBF #6-rated Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) of Queensland, Australia (via Kildare, Ireland) making the first defense of his WBA-NABA US Super Welterweight Championship against local favorite Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester, New York.
