04.4.07 – By John Martinez, BoxingRealm.com: On April 11th, The Citadel’s McAllister Field House will host a night of professional boxing that will include “ The Atlantic City Express” Bruce Seldon in the main event of the evening. Seldon is currently in the midst of a comeback for the title that he once held- heavyweight champion of the world. He will be looking to make his opponent, Travis Fulton, become the third victim by stoppage in his latest campaign for glory..
The man responsible for promoting the card at The Citadel in Charleston, SC is Andre Kut, President of KEA Boxing Promotions. KEA Boxing has an established reputation for showcasing family oriented pugilism in top-notch venues in and around the New Jersey area for the last several years but has never ventured this far south. I asked Kut why now and why The Citadel?
“Well there’s history there. Two of my three sons have already graduated from the Citadel. My oldest son is a graduate and he currently teaches and coaches there. My second oldest also graduated from the Citadel and he is presently a Captain in the Air Force while my youngest is in his junior year and expecting to graduate next year from the same college as his brothers have.”
“So we share a history with The Citadel and actually, it was my oldest son that said, “ Hey, why not do a show here?” This one at the Citadel is quite interesting. I’m moving from Jersey to SC and doing it at a major college to showcase good strong talent.”
“Boxing isn’t that big down there, but if I can provide some good shows then maybe I might develop a following. I’m always willing to give something a shot.”
It is that ‘ can do” approach to his business that has made Kut successful not only in his trade, but in his relationships with others. “ I have to feel an attachment with the other person. I would rather wait my turn than get involved with someone that’s going to create more problems. It’s just not worth it.”
Kut also believes that the sport has suffered a bad image because of antics by some in the game and that the public shouldn’t judge the whole because of it’s parts.” You know, there are a lot of pretenders in this game, and you know who winds up getting hurt? The kids. I will not take a kid just to add to my stable of fighters.”
“My success is based on the fighter’s success. If I can make a difference in someone’s life, then hey, that’s what this is all about. If I’m going to pour my blood, sweat, and tears into a kid then I want to see him or her do something with their life.”
The fight card will feature several boxing bouts including regional favorite Chad Archer (8,1, 5 KO’s) who will look to gain support from the hometown crowd. Also fighting on the bill will be heavyweight Kevin Burnett (6,1,1 KO’s) and light heavyweight prospect Dyah Davis who’ll step into the ring boasting a 9-0 record with 5 knock outs to his credit.
Featherweight contender Rogers “The Tiger” Mtagwa will also take part in the night’s action with his fan favorite “ take no prisoners” sluggers’ style. There will also be two exciting welterweights doing battle in separate bouts. Tommy Rainone (6,0,1 KO’s) and Alex Perez (7,0,5 KO’s) will look to establish themselves as boxing prospects to watch.
Rounding out the packed boxing card will be the promising undefeated middleweight Joe Greene who sports a record of 14 wins and 11 knockouts. The ring announcer of the evening will be the former light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and super cruiserweight champion, Bobby Czyz.
Tickets are expected to sell out but can still be purchased online at etix.com or by calling (843) 847-1986 or (973) 222-2273. Fight Night at The Citadel will start at 7:30 PM.
For further information, please visit www.kea-boxing.com and Brick City Boxing.
This interview was conducted on behalf of boxingrealm.com, EastSideBoxing.com and brickcityboxing.com. We would like to give thanks to Andre Kut, President of KEA Boxing Promotions, for taking the time out to speak with us.