After a successful turn as a televised boxing commentator, 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 title last April, WBA #14-rated Luis will face New York (via Dominican Republic) veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KO’s) in a 10-rounder.
Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” are priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: 716-501-2444.
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 KO’s) 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.
“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.”
And in two very special added features, American heavyweight knockout artist Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller (13-0-1, 10 KO’s) will return to the ring just 22 days after his main-event TKO 2 over Damon McCreary to take on local slugger Excell Holmes of Buffalo in a six-rounder; and long-time top middleweight contender ‘Mean’ Joe Greene (25-1, 16 KO’s) will return to the ring for the first time in over two years to face Michigan’s Guy Packer in a six-rounder.
On the undercard, two local prospects will make their pro debuts, as Rochester, New York super featherweight Hashuan Sambolin will go his first four against Cincinnati’s Micah Branch; and Buffalo lightweight Daniel DeJesus will make his debut against TBA. And rounding the action, Kazakhstan’s undefeated Bakhtiyer Eubov will look to keep his perfect record intact against New York welterweight Jason Thompson (5-10-4, 4 KO’s).
