On Friday night, September 11, 2015, at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, 22-year-old Top Rank light-welterweight professional boxer, Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (Washington, D.C./Waldorf, MD/pro record: 15-0-0, 8 KO’s) will take on Antonio “Aztec God of War” Canas (Chicago, Illinois/pro record: 10-1-1, 4 KO’s) in an eight-round bout. Reed-Canas will take place on “The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV” non-televised undercard on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. The televised co-main event will be Jessie Hart vs. Aaron Pryor, Jr., and the main event will feature Oscar Valdez vs. Chris Avalos. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank and produced in association with HBO Sports.
In his previous fight on June 13, Reed defeated Puerto Rico’s Luis Joel Gonzalez (11-2-1, 6 KO’s) by unanimous decision in an eight-round bout that opened the non-televised portion of the HBO “Boxing After Dark” fight card at New York City’s Theater at Madison Square Garden. In that fight, Reed walked his opponent down while displaying a varied attack of jabs and powerful body shots. Judges at ringside scored the contest for Reed 80-73, 80-72, and 80-72. The HBO Boxing fight card took place on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.
While his win streak has continued, Reed continues to learn and improve from his previous fights.
“Immediately after my last fight at the Garden in New York City, my dad asked me what I could have done better. Both of us agreed on cutting off the ring, so that’s become a main focus of this training camp. One of the first things that my dad taught me when I started boxing was how to properly cut the ring off. At this level of pro boxing, fighters know more creative ways to circle around the ring. Adjustments must be made going into this next fight.”
Reed discussed his personal and team boxing goals.
“When I signed with Top Rank, it was extremely important to me that I stay busy, and that’s exactly what has happened. At this point in my career, I’ve learned a lot on the job, and I believe I am being prepared correctly for my goal of becoming a world champion. Everything that I’m doing now is to tailor myself to becoming just that. I believe every fight I’ve had taught different things and made me the fighter that I am today. I also know that I have plenty more room to learn and grow.”
Mike discussed his next opponent, Antonio Canas.
“We watched some film on Antonio Canas, and he is definitely coming to make this a fight. Canas has an MMA background, and MMA fighters are typically very durable in the boxing ring. As usual, my team has a great game plan going into the fight. I will be well prepared, and I’m looking forward to being 16-0.”
“September 11 will be part of a huge boxing weekend in Las Vegas, and it will be my first time fighting there, so I definitely want to have a nice showing. I want everyone in attendance to see that Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed is the real deal. If everything goes as planned, there is a possibility that my next fight may be televised. Thank you Top Rank, truTV, MetroPCS, Nike Boxing and Athlete Performance Solutions, Everlast, and everyone that continues to support me and my team.”
Reed’s father, trainer, and manager, Michael “Buck” Pinson (Dream Team Boxing Gym/Clinton, MD), gave his thoughts.
“Michael is working hard in the gym. He will be ready to go, and we are looking to impress on September 11. We appreciate all of our fans that are traveling to Las Vegas to support us. Thank you to Top Rank for continuing to be a great company to fight for.”
Tickets for Mike Reed’s fight at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas are on sale now and priced at $100, $85, $65, $45, and $20, plus applicable taxes and fees. Tickets can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Room and ticket packages are available.
