By Lorenzo Recupero
Encore’s second round of boxing was a knockout success from start to finish.
Murphys Boxing, the promotional team putting together the showcase, yet again drew a sold out crowd in Encore’s Picasso Ballroom, the casino’s largest, and kept them enthralled throughout.
Encore’s spectacularly lit ballroom coupled with Murphys Boxing’s fight night set up makes it easy to imagine you’re watching boxing from a seat in Vegas, with Bruins singer Todd Angilly performing the national anthem included, of course.
And what a night of boxing it was at Encore Boston Harbor Friday.
Of the eight matches put on the canvas, six of them ended with a knockout punch to the head or body.
The fights got started with a real bang, as Lynn native James Perkins went toe-to-toe with Boston’s Aaron Trecell Smith in what was both fighters’ pro debuts. The middleweight fight instantly got the crowd involved with both boxers swinging for the fences from the moment the bell rang. That contest ended in well-deserved majority draw as neither fighter let up much to the other.
The fight of the night featured Medford’s Greg Bono and Brockton’s Brian Urday, who we’re both making their pro debuts in a battle that lifted level of entertainment in the room, with the noise hitting decibels that surely made ears ring throughout the ballroom. Both fighters brawled and slugged each other much to the delight of the roaring, smiling, fist-waving crowd. Urday won the fight by unanimous decision.
And much like Murphys Boxing’s first showcase at Encore in July, these fights did not come without the fanfare.
Some notable names in house included once again Tony DeMarco, Peter Manfredo Jr., Richie Lamontagne, Kevin McBride and special guest Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade,
current undefeated (28-0) WBO Middleweight Champion of the world.
“Pulling up [to Encore] it definitely had like that Vegas feel to it,” said Andrade, who made his first visit to Everett’s newest attraction to see the fights put together by Murphys Boxing. “To be able to come in and have dinner outside and see the harbor, that’s pretty smooth. It’s been a pleasure being here, with all its details it’s definitely up to class. Encore is definitely one of the best casinos out there,” said Andrade.
Encore’s second successful night of boxing culminated with a first round KO in the main event. Abraham “Super” Nova put down Mexico’s Luis Castillo to remain undefeated and retain the WABA Super Featherweight Championship. Nova’s quick hands and power were too much once his three-punch combination connected with a back-to-the- ropes Castillo. Abraham Nova is the 6th ranked super featherweight in the world.