Two Delaware fighters seek NABA boxing titles in Wilmington.
Two Delaware fighters seek NABA boxing titles in Wilmington.
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Boxing's return to Wilmington next month provides the two fighters serving as headliners a significant chance to advance their careers.
Wilmington's Dennis Hasson and Philadelphia's Ray Robinson will each enter the ring at the Chase Center on the Riverfront February 8th for a North America Boxing Association (NABA) title bout. A win would not only mean a title belt for the two fighters; it would also vault them into the top 15 of World Boxing Association's (WBA) world rankings.
"This means the world to me, man. I've been training and fighting my whole life to get to this point." said Hasson, who will face Kevin Engel, out of St. Louis, with the NABA light heavyweight title on the line. "This isn't a world title but it's a step closer to getting that world title- and this can put me in position to fight for that world title. So I plan on seizing that opportunity and doing what I've got to do to win this fight."
"This is something I've been wanting since I was eight years old - just to get closer to that dream," said Robinson, who will fight Miami's Alberto Morales for the NABA welterweight crown. "The only thing I can do is knock it out of the park. It's a huge opportunity and sometimes opportunity only knocks once, and so I'm grabbing the opportunity."
Hasson owns an unblemished 15-0 pro record which he'll put on the line against Engel, who is 20-6, but has 16 knock-outs. Robinson carries a 14-2-0 record into his fight with Morales, who is 11-1-1.
Both fighters hope fighting in their own backyard will give then a edge on February 8th. Robinson expects it will.
"You're more comfortable [fighting close to home] 'cause you've got our friends, family and fans coming out to support you instead of me having to go to this guy's hometown." said Robinson. [It's an advantage] knowing I've got more supporters. I'm going to hear my name called more than his."
Robinson and Hasson also realize their performances may also play a significant role in whether or not the six fight card is success - and leads to more boxing events in the state's largest city.
"We obviously want to set the bar high with these fights and hope that happens, so we can come back and have more shows," said Hasson, a native of Philadelphia's Kensington section who moved to Delaware last year to train.
Three of the four other scheduled fights at the Chase Center on February 8th also feature First State fighters.
Tickets for the ever are between $45-$120 and are available at champsmanagement.com or by phone at (302)-888-BLUE with 5.
