By Lorenzo Recupero
Best way to describe Encore Boston Harbor’s first live-action event: Like Las Vegas descended on Everett, MA.
The lights and glamor of a first-class setup proved to be the perfect setting for for an event that was a knockout success.
Hosted by Murphys Boxing in collaboration with Encore, the sold out event saw more than 2,100 guest from all over the area show up for a night of championship boxing that did not disappoint.
The fanfare and local celebrities at the event was proof boxing will be a thing at Encore for the foreseeable future.
Some of the notables included Restaurateurs Nick Verano and Frank DePasquale, retired boxer Kevin McBride (who of course bested the mighty Mike Tyson), former boxing champion Peter Manfredo Jr, legendary boxing referee Steve Smoger, and two of Massachusetts’ greatest boxers and icons, Micky Ward and Tony DeMarco.
The event even called for well-known Boston Bruins singer, Todd Angilly, to do his signature rendition of our national anthem mid ring prior to the championship title fight that saw Stoneham’s Greg Vendetti win the vacant IBA junior middleweight title in a 12-round thriller against New Jersey’s Michael Anderson.
Also In attendance and honored at center ring was Everett’s own boxing legend Richie “The Mountain” Lamontagne, who was serenaded with a roaring chant of “Mountain, Mountain, Mountain” that served as evidence that Everett was in the house.
Local fighter and recent New England Golden Gloves Champion, Ryan Pietrantonio, was also on hand for the event and his excitement was palatable.
“This is amazing. This is unbelievable to think that this is in Everett Massachusetts. There’s thousands of people here!” Said Pietrantonio, who envisions a day when he might be the main event at Encore.
“To think that one day I could be here fighting in front of thousands of people, in this atmosphere, is amazing,” he said.
According to Pietrantonio, Everett’s Richie Lamontagne making his guest appearance was icing on the cake.
“He’s more of a legend than anyone, he’s a living legend for Everett,” said Pietrantonio. “Everett Encore, not Boston, Everett Encore is just pure ridiculous. This place is something to be seen,” he said.
If you’re hoping to catch a round at Encore Boston Harbor, Murphys Boxing promotions and the casino announced championship boxing will return to the venue August 23.