Friday Night’s card at Grand Casino Hinckley, where another sold out crowd is expected, will feature a handful of the most talented prospects the state of Minnesota has produced in several years.
In the night’s first featured bout Robert “Bravo” Brant (11-0 6 KOs) of St. Paul, MN will look to keep his undefeated record intact and his momentum growing as he takes on the toughest opponent of his career in battle tested veteran Marcus Upshaw (17-12-2) of Miami, FL in an 8 round middleweight bout. Brant, a former Golden Gloves National Champion said, “I have worked extremely hard for this and fully understand this is my toughest fight to date. I haven’t even thought about what’s next for me as Marcus Upshaw has been the only thing in my sights. I’m ready to protect and collect.”
The night’s co main event will feature the sixth appearance at Grand Casino Hinckley for Minnesota fan favorite and welterweight champion Jamal “Shango” James (13-0 6KOs) of Minneapolis, MN. James, who is widely considered one of the best prospects in the Midwest, will be taking on North Dakota’s experienced veteran Wayne Martell (25-4-1) in a 10 round welterweight bout. James said, “We had a great camp and a lot of hard work was put in. I am excited to put on a show in what I like to refer as ‘my house’ Grand Casino Hinckley. They’ve always taken care of me there and I appreciate it. I’m also looking forward to my first 10 round bout and meeting my opponent in the ring. I’m not underestimating him but THIS IS MY TIME!”
The night’s 8 round main event will be for the vacant Minnesota State Jr Welterweight Championship as Duluth’s RJ “T-Rex” Laase (12-1 8KOs) takes on the undefeated Rondale “Give Em Hell” Hubbert (6-0-1) from Minneapolis, MN. Neither fighter has been down or hurt in their careers, but both are promising fireworks on Friday Night. Laase said, “I’m excited to be back in action. I look forward to giving everyone a dominant performance over a very credible opponent and stake my claim as the best 140 lb fighter in my region.” Hubbert said, “I’m ready for war and I’m in the best shape of my career. I expect a great challenge but there’s no doubt in my mind I’m coming out on top. ”
The scheduled seven fight card that also features undefeated bantamweight Jonathan Perez vs. state rival Antwan Robertson and Phil Williams vs. Galen Brown in a cruiserweight battle. The first bout begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. Limited tickets for the event are still available from www.ticketmaster.com or the Grand Casino Hinckley Box Office.
