Minto defends against Poore

Preview by Brady Crytzer
Photo by Gary Sarti

While Pullman Park in Butler, PA has hosted historic sports icons like Joe Dimaggio, the newly renovated classic ballpark will host its first major sporting event in nearly fifty years as heavyweight prospects Brian “The Beast” Minto (30-2, 19 KO) and “Big” John Poore (20-2, 18 KO) do battle in the main event of ESPN's Wednesday Night Fights live on July 2nd. Minto, who will be fighting in his hometown, will put his WBA Fedecentro title on line against the heavy handed Poore in a bout to move up the rankings and into the spotlight.

Already sold out, Pullman Park offers fans the unique chance to see a classic outdoor fight between two no-nonsense sluggers. With all the ambience of a 1940's style prizefight, the squared circle will be located on the infield of the retro style ballpark. Though all seating has been long sold out, there are still several "standing room only" tickets remaining.

Brian Minto, ranked #12 by the WBO, has earned a reputation as a hard nose banger with quick hands and a heavy heart. In his first major step up in competition, Minto scored a tenth round knockout over Vinny Maddalone in 2004. Nominated for “Knockout of the Decade” by ESPN, “The Beast” later defeated Billy Zumbrun and Danny Batchelder on national television in 2006.

Minto's newly formed reputation for toughness garnered him a spot to face Maddalone again, this time on HBO Pay Per View. In trademark style, Minto delivered a highlight reel seventh round knockout. Considered an American hopeful, Minto made the trans-Atlantic trek to Germany where he defeated a come backing Axel Schultz via a brutal sixth round stoppage.

Considered a legitimate contender, Minto came up short in his toughest challenge to date as he lost a spirited unanimous decision to former title challenger Luan Krasniqi. Following the loss, Minto has since won his last three bouts, stopping each opponent in the opening round.

The 37 year old Poore, on the other hand, is still seeking to make his mark.

Known as "Big" John, the former Toughman competitor has become a fan favorite in Philadelphia's New Alhambra Arena for his hard charging style and staggering knockout record. In twenty professional bouts, Poore has stopped eighteen opponents. A native of Boothwyn, PA, Poore's started his career with a bang knocking out his first fifteen opponents, the longest of which lasted just six rounds.

In what would become his first loss, Poore stepped up significantly in competition to face heavyweight journeyman Robert Hawkins for the vacant IBU heavyweight title. He was stopped in round five. Another loss, this time in just 71 seconds to Cerrone Fox, forced Poore away from the ring for fourteen months. Poore made his return to the ring in August of 2007 stopping Dione Craig in the fifth round. Consecutive decision victories over Mike Miller and Dan Whetzel have given "Big" John Poore the opportunity to battle for the WBA Fedecentro title and cement himself as a mainstay in the vaunted heavyweight division.

The co-main event of the evening features unbeaten Tommy Karpency (11-0, 7 KOs) taking on Rayco Saunders (15-10, 7 KO) in an 8 round light heavyweight contest.

The card also features four other exciting bouts including Jimmy Lubash facing Dave Cook in a light heavyweight bout.

Doors at Pullman Park open at 7 pm. and first bell is 8 pm.

Tickets are still available for purchase. For purchasing information contact (724) 968-2949.