Lyubomyr Pinchuk trainig with Michael McSorley at the Conn Greb Boxing Gym in preparation for his fight on March 20th. Photo by Matte Bradic.
Lyubomyr Pinchuk will be looking to continue off a busy 2019.
Johnny Spell hopes to continue the fast start of his professional career.
Kelvin Smith looks to take his career to the next level.
These three fighters will be in action at Integrity Fighter Management’s South Side Fight Night at the Sokol Club on March 20.
Johnny Spell against Antonio Luciane at Printscape Arena on November 9, 2019. Photo by Tyler Polk.
"It's always fun to see fights there," said Michael McSorley, one of the promoters for the event. We have a great card, and there are still a few surprises on the card to be announced.
Lyubomyr “The Demolition Man” Pinchuk (12-1-1) captured the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title in his last fight to cap off a 5-0-1 2019. He may start 2020 with a test of the waters at the more lucrative Heavyweight division.
Pinchuk certainly looked ready for the battle in his sparring session. His punches with already mean intent, sounded even meaner as they hit the pads McSorley is holding. Whatever division he fights in, he'll be ready.
“I feel comfortable at Cruiserweight and maybe even more comfortable at Heavyweight where I’m much faster and quicker”, said Pinchuk.
He’s scheduled to face Tyler Vogel (3-3), in the main event of the evening.
Johnny “TTG” Spell (2-0) debuted on that same card and has won his first two fights by knockout. Both of his matches were within thirty days. He credits the start of his career to wanting to keep on learning from his trainers and other fighters at Conn-Greb Boxing Gym.
“The greats say you can never stop learning”, said Spell. “Just staying focused and pushing myself, my team has given me a lot of confidence.”
Kelvin Smith training in preparation for his fight on March 20th. Photo by Matte Bradic.
Another young fighter on the card, Kelvin “Steel City” Smith (2-2), has used the past year as a way to get back on track in the ring. A knockout victory, split decision loss, and unanimous decision win has him looking for more success this year.
“I feel like those three fights have mentally prepared me for the next one," said Smith. It gave me more confidence and made me a little bit calmer. I’m ready to get into the ring and give it all I got.”
He’ll be facing off against Rosalindo Morales (3-0), a sparring regular against other fighters trained by McSorley.
Integrity’s first card of the year will also feature the return of Amonte “The Magician” Eberhardt, he’ll face off against Latiss “No Love” Norman (4-6).
McSorley believes this fight will be the most intriguing fight on the card, Norman is 2-1 on his fight cards and says he’s a tough guy to face.
“Amonte is taking this at a slightly heavier weight than what he normally fights. It will be a good test for him coming back”, said McSorley. “We think it's gonna be a great card. The South Side is always fun so we think it'll be a packed house.”
Tickets range from $35 dollars to 100 dollars, click here for more information.
This piece for LOCALPittsburgh went unpublished due to the COVID-19 Pandemic canceling the event one week before fight night.