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McGuinness to Defend NABA Belt Against Veteran KO Artist Avila

Posted by Eugene on January 24, 2011 at 20:52 pm

TORONTO, ON – (January 24, 2011)    NABA Lightweight champion Logan Cotton McGuinness (13-0-1, 6 KO’s) will face the sternest test of his young career when he steps into the ring to defend his title against hard hitting Dominican Hector Julio Avila (47-5, 42 KO’s) in the main event of the stacked February 19th card at the Hershey Centre, in Mississauga, ON.

McGuinness, one of the most promising young fighters in the world, has improved steadily over each of his 14 professional fights, compiling a stellar 13-0-1 mark that includes 6 KO’s.

However, it’s been his performances in his last two fights which have piqued the interests of boxing insiders. Last September, McGuinness captured the vacant NABA title with a comprehensive  second round TKO beat-down of Buzz Grant, an opponent many thought would be too slick for him to handle. McGuinness followed up  with a near shot-out victory over tough-as-nails Adrian Verdugo (17-2-1, 14 KO’s) this past November in what was the runner up to Pascal vs Hopkins as Canadian fight of the year.

“With Logan, we’re seeing a kid turn into a man right before our eyes,” said McGuinness’ promoter Adam Harris, of Hennessy Sports Canada.

“So much so that I think he’s actually ready for a seasoned KO artist like Avila.  Last year at this time, there’s no way I’d consider Avila, but Logan has proved he’s more than ready to step up the level of competition.”
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One-on-One with Craig Hillier

Posted by Durell Wambolt on January 24, 2011 at 09:58 am

TheBoxingExaminer.com’s own Halifax correspondant Dave Ghiz recently had an opportunity to talk with Craig Hillier who is set to make his debut in the punch-for-pay ranks!  Hillier is currently in Lowell, Mass. training along side his stablemate Tyson Cave with Micky Ward as they prepare for their fights on January 29th at Palooka’s Boxing Club in Halifax.

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The Boxing Examiner:  I’m here with Craig Hillier from Palooka’s Boxing Club.  Craig tell us a little bit about yourself, where your from, your experience, your amateur history and really anything you’d like to tell us about yourself.
 
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Craig Hillier:  I was born here in Halifax.  I’ve been boxing now for about 12 years on and off.  I moved away for a year for school where I continued my training.  I’m a teacher now but I’m also juggling a few other jobs right now but my newest venture is pro boxing.
 
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TBE: So you’ve had an extensive amateur career Craig and we’ve all followed your amateur days here in Halifax.  You’ve boxed locally, provincially and even on the national level.  What makes you now at this point in your life want to get into the pro ranks?
 
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CH: The challenge of doing it.  I don’t want to have any regrets when I’m older.  A lot of people say they could have done it but don’t.  To actually get in the ring and do it when you’re still healthy and able has been a goal of mine.  Now’s the right time in my career and age.  Read More