Old-time boxing swings back into the spotlight on Friday night, December 9, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) brings us “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” packed with a lineup of genuine fighters in authentic fights.
The excitement from the iconic Palladium will stream live on BXNGTV.com. In a heartwarming collaboration, GCP joins forces with Project New Hope, the Worcester charity dedicated to supporting our veterans and their families.
The main event brings two undefeated fighters to center stage. Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will fight for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship, igniting an old Bay State rivalry.
Representing Holyoke in Western Massachusetts, Whitley carries a legacy. He’s trained by family – father Derrick and uncle Darrin – both respectable pro fighters from the 90s to the early 21st century. On the flip side, from Eastern Mass, we have Salem’s Larson. A straightforward guy who’s keen to know where and when he’s fighting, and that’s it.
It’s a rarity these days: two unbeaten prospects fighting each other. Ah, the sweet scent of old-time boxing!
GCP president Chris Traietti weighed in, “This fight is significant for both boxers at this juncture. The victor will advance to legit prospect status. The one who doesn’t quite clinch it? Well, they’ll need to regroup, maybe rethink some strategies. These two have been circling each other for a while, and it’s high time they bring some excitement to the local fans. With Denzel as the boxer and Kenny, the pressure fighter, it’s going to be make-or-break entertainment with the Junior NABF title hanging in the balance.”
Currently, Whitley is the proud holder of the Massachusetts and United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Atlantic Welterweight titles. However, these won’t be at stake against Larson. There were whispers of a Whitley vs. Larson fight before, but the two have yet to meet in the ring. Now, they’re both eager to settle scores on December 9th, a milestone as their first 10-round fight.
Whitley shared, “I was ready before and I’m ready now. This fight is significant for me. I want to clinch my third title. I’ve trained hard to be in top shape. Larson? He’s the next obstacle in my path, and I’m set to overcome. When I win this belt, I’m looking to climb those rankings.”
Larson, a 2016 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, notched a significant win last July. He’s focused on proving himself and isn’t fazed by the venue. He remarked, “Denzel’s record is good, but I’m here to show I’m the best. My fans? They’re with me, wherever I go.”
The “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” card also showcases Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), the undefeated International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Super Middleweight Champion. Sumpter, a rising star from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, awaits his next opponent in the 10-round co-featured event.
Worcester’s own light heavyweight Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (21-1-3, 12 KOs) and super welterweight Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (17-6, 13 KOs) are also set to bring the noise. Ball, with his impressive titles, is ready for a 10-round fight for the vacant USBF title, while Pitts is gearing up after a two-year hiatus.
Stay tuned; more fighters and fights are on the horizon!
Grab your tickets online at www.ThePalladium.net. The action starts at 7 p.m. ET, but make sure you’re there when doors open up at 6:30 p.m. ET. It’s going to be a night to remember!