Llewelyn McClammy throws a punch at Leemont Johnson in a sparring session. Photo by Tyler Polk.
Pro Boxing returns to the Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead on Nov. 4.
Integrity Fighter Management and the Conn-Greb Boxing Gym present the event following the first successful pro boxing night held at the venue back in March.
Mike McSorley, a promoter, and trainer at Conn-Greb said they choose to return to the venue because of the historic feel and good sight lines.
“It’s going to be a memorable night,” McSorley said.
McSorley said they are open to other venues, but they would like to cultivate the Music Hall as the next Blue Horizon, a famous fight venue in Philadelphia.
“We want this place to be known as somewhere you can come and see great fights, in a beautiful venue with good sightlines that’s affordable,” said McSorley.
Expect to see more action at the upcoming event that currently has nine bouts scheduled.
The main event of the evening will be a battle between Pittsburgher and undefeated former Golden Gloves champion Gerald Sherrell (7-0 3 KO’s) against Shakeem “The Lion” Hodge (5-0 4 KO’s) from Reading.
Sherrell who boxed in the March event is ready for the spotlight.
“It feels good, it’s an exciting feeling, I’m just ready to go, I’ve seen [Hodge] fight before, he’s decent,” said Sherrell. “I’m ready to put on a show. I hope everyone’s ready for a good show and some good fights.”
His previous fight was in September he defeated his last opponent by technical knockout in the fifth round.
“It felt good, to be back in the ring [after an injury]. I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing and get ready and stay ready. Hopefully, another blessing will come,” Sherrell said.
His opponent Hodge is no slouch with four victories coming by way of knockout. His trainer, Lindsay Bates, describes him as a strong, athletic and fearless.
Llewelyn McClammy sparring with Oleg Dovhun. Dovhun will also be competing at the Carnegie Music Hall. Photo by Tyler Polk.
“It’s not the first time we faced a Pittsburgh fighter,” said Bates. “We don’t sleep on anyone, we prepare hard and we train hard.”
Bates knows Shakeem will be ready for this fight.
“I’ve been coaching him for 7 years, he’s relaxed and ready, he knows he needs this fight to boost his career to the next level,” said Bates.
Four boxers will make their professional debuts including Dib “The Wolf” Kaddah from Cleveland and Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Champion, Llewelyn McClammy. McClammy has been itching to get in the ring and is excited to for his pro career to begin in such a historic venue.
“I just wanted to get back to the laboratory and fine tune some things,” said McClammy. “This first pro fight is gonna be a good showcase to see if I’m ready for the pros, Kaddah has a background in MMA, so he’s not gonna be an average push around boxer.”
He’s also excited to be debuting on the same card as “Pretty” Richie Cantolina. Cantolina and McClammy both train with the Pinnacle team.
“He comes in the gym and steps on the gas and doesn’t stop till he gets the results he wants,” said McClammy.
Leemont Johnson (4-0 3 KO’s) from Braddock scored the March 31 card’s only knockout of the night. He’s excited to return to work with Integrity Fight Management against Eric Goven (6-2 3 KO’s) from Germantown, Maryland.
“As boxers, you get the knockout when you don’t look for it,” Johnson said. “Most of my knockouts surprise me when I’m doing my thing. It feels good to get respect from your opponent.”
To describe Amonte “The Magician” Eberhardt (9-0 3 KO’s) in one word is focused.
The Navy Reserve member is soft-spoken outside the ring, but in the ring, he’s all business. He credits the success he’s had to his team.
Lyubomir Pinchuk training with Michael McSorley for his fight on November 4th, at the Carnegie Music Hall. Photo by Tyler Polk
“No matter what, every decision that we make, we talk about it first,” said Eberhardt. “Even though I’m the boxer, they know I’m the one who gets in there, but I value their input, there’s no substitute for experience.”
His last fight was against Ugandan champion Charles Mulindwa, and his next fight is against Mexico’s Ulises Jimenez.
“Our game plan is always to go into there and adapt, that’s why I like to put pressure on my opponents,” said Eberhardt. “I felt like especially in my last fight, him being from Uganda and me from the U.S., I felt I had to show off the flag.”
he international fights continue with two Ukrainian fighters who are climbing the ranks of the boxing world Lyubomir “The Demolition Man” Pinchuk (3-0 2KO’s) and Oleg “Ukraine Pitbull” Dovhun (3-0 1KO).
“It’s different training, a different city, it’s something new,” Pinchuk said. “I like Pittsburgh, people here are very friendly, and they are willing to help you.”
The two made their debuts in March and have been the talk of the town.
“It’s been very exciting, more people from Ukraine come to see [Oleg and Lyubomir] fight,” said McSorley. “Lyubomir has been taking out his last couple of opponents with a high knockout ratio, and people said they like the way Oleg brings fury and anger to the ring.”
Oleg’s next opponent in Joseph “Ice” Cole from Marrero, Louisiana.
“It’s been a good adjustment,” said Dovhun. “I miss Ukraine, but I want to be champion, I want to live here for a long time.”
Overall five fighters from March’s boxing event will be in action including Danny Rosenberger from Youngstown, Ohio. Rosenberger (1-3-2) will face Bobby Osterreider (1-0) from Butler.