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PHILADELPHIA (FEBRUARY 25TH, 2010)—This weekend, three members of the highly regarded Joe Hand Boxing Gym will have big bouts in three different venues in the Delaware Valley.
First off, on Friday night, former Jr. Welterweight contender, Michael “No Joke” Stewart will take on Brandon Baue at Dover Downs in Dover, Delaware in an eight round Welterweight bout.
Stewart of nearby New Castle, Delaware is looking for one last run as the former USBA Jr. Welterweight champion, has been working very hard at The Joe Hand Boxing Gym and looks re energized under the guidance of trainer’s Danny Davis and Tommy Barnes.
Stewart has a record 44-7-2 with twenty-three wins coming by knockout.
The thirty-two year old is on a two fight winning streak with his previous outing being a six round unanimous decision over Louie Leija on November 7th in Atlantic City.
Just up I-95 on Friday night, Fans at The Arena in Philadelphia, fans will be able to witness the long awaited pro debut of Kareem “Cool Breeze” Cooley in a four round Lightweight bout against Sidell Blocker of Atlantic City.
Cooley, 22 years-old of Southwest Philadelphia was a decorated amateur as he amassed an impressive record of 110-10 before taking a couple years off due to injuries.
He has been back in the gym training real hard under the watchful eye of his grandfather and former pro fighter Roland Cooley and Ron Hammonds.
Cooley is managed my Doc Nowicki and Joe Hand Sr.
Then on Saturday, the attention shifts to the boardwalk in Atlantic City where the hottest prospect in America in Welterweight Mike “MJ” Jones steps up to face his toughest test in perennial contender Henry Bruseles of Puerto Rico.
Jones of Philadelphia is on the brink of a significant or world title fight has been the talk of the Philadelphia boxing scene with his dynamic abilities that have catapulted him to a perfect record of 19-0 with sixteen knockouts.
Jones has been named prospect of the year by several publications and with a win over Bruseles he will be looked at as a contender for anyone in Welterweight division. Bruseles has won seven straight fights over a five year span since his last defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2005.
The bout from Ballys in Atlantic City can be seen nationally on Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports Espanol.
Before heading to training camp in Newtown, PA, Jones is known for his vigorous workouts at The Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia.
Jones is trained by Vaughn Jackson, managed by Doc Nowicki and Jim Williams and promoted by Russell Peltz and Joe Hand Sr.
ABOUT THE JOE HAND BOXING GYM
Started by Joe Hand Promotions in 1983, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a community landmark for over 25 years. Joe Hand, Sr., a retired Philadelphia police officer, saw the gym a safe place for Philly’s children and young adults to come and hone their skills in boxing or spend time learning computer skills for their futures.
A world of opportunity is right here, as kids are mentored by educators and athletes, guiding them down what can be a difficult path. The Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers regulation boxing arenas, brand new equipment, and a modern computer center where children from the community can participate in the education process, whether or not they’re interested in learning how to box.
