A title fight between USBF Middleweight Champion Julien Baptiste and Ricky Ford is poised to captivate the crowd on May 11th as Granite Chin Promotions hosts “Rumble at the Rink.” This clash, featuring two skilled 160-pound fighters from New England, is set to ignite excitement from start to finish.
Chris Traietti, president of GCP, expressed his anticipation, stating, “This fight will undoubtedly justify the ticket price. After Baptiste’s performance at Madison Square Garden, I was keen to avoid a filler fight. Ricky Ford was the ideal contender, exceeding expectations in his recent bout in Bridgewater.”
Julien Baptiste, coming off a six-round bout at Madison Square Garden, shared, “Although the fight was shortened, I was ready for more. Isaah won fairly, but I felt a shift too late in the game.” As both the Massachusetts and USBF Middleweight Champion, Baptiste is gearing up for a showdown with Ford, foreseeing a dynamic and strategic battle.
Ricky Ford, reflecting on his recent return to the ring which ended with a victorious proposal, remarked, “Though I considered ending my career on that high note, the opportunity to challenge Julien was too compelling to pass up.” Despite being smaller for the division, Ford’s speed and extensive amateur background, including multiple Northern New England championships, might give him the edge.
The fight card also features an intriguing match for the vacant Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Championship between undefeated Irish boxer Thomas O’Toole and Russell Kimber, in addition to a unique “Granite Chin Box Off” tournament with local super middleweights competing for a new title.
Updated Fight Card:
- Julien Baptiste vs. Ricky Ford – USBF Middleweight Title
- Thomas O’Toole vs. Russell Kimber – Vacant Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Championship
- Granite Chin Box Off Tournament – Featuring local super middleweights
- More matches to be announced.