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Atlantic City, NJ—Lightweight Osnel Charles, of Atlantic City, makes his first start in 10 months when he boxes Chris Finley, of Detroit, MI, in the scheduled six-round semifinal on Saturday evening, April 14, at Bally’s Atlantic City.
Topping the seven-fight card is a 12-round cruiserweight battle between Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, and Andres Taylor, of Johnstown, PA. Wilson’s USBA title and the vacant NABF crown will be on the line in the 1,500-seat Grand Ballroom. First bout begins at 7.30 pm.
Charles (right), 27, has not boxed since last June 25 when he scored the only knockout of his career, a shocking first-round stoppage of local boxer Anthony Flores in the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia.
Since then, a series of near-misses have plagued Charles. Fights were scheduled but never materialized. It has been a frustrating 10 months but Charles is determined to get his career in high gear.
A pro since 2009, Charles is 9-2, 1 K0. He has beaten Zachary Smith, of Delmar, NY; Victor Vasquez, of Philadelphia, PA; Danny McDermott, of Jersey City, NJ; Chris Green, of Asbury Park, NJ.
Finley, 24, makes his second start in Atlantic City in two months. He lost a four-round majority decision to unbeaten Keenan Smith, of Philadelphia, PA, on Feb. 4 at the Tropicana Hotel Casino.
Following that match, Finley traveled to Albany, NY, on March 10 and blasted out Brian Miller, of Schenectady, NY, in one round.
A pro since 2008, Finley is 4-0, 4 K0s. All of his losses have been to undefeated fighters. He has never been stopped.
Junior welterweight Naim Nelson, of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Dontre King, of Cambridge, MD, in another six-round contest.
Nelson, 21, has won all five of his pro fights by decision, including a rough one Feb. 24 at Harrah’s Chester (PA) over Linwood Hurd, of Atlantic City, NJ.
King, 30, has won his last three, and is 6-9-2, 2 K0s overall. In his last fight Nov. 19 at Bally’s, he earned a four-round decision over Julio DeJesus, of Millville, NJ.
Four additional bouts complete the card.
ABOUT APRIL 14
The Wilson-Taylor and Charles-Finley fights top a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Gofightlive.tv will televise the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.
