History is going to be made, on two different accounts, on May 23 at the “Rumble at the Rink” in Nanaimo at the Frank Crane Arena. With Gordy Racette becoming the first Canadian to fight in five decades and two title fights, it’s going to be an action filled night.
Local boy Aubrey “Bam Bam” Morrow will fight in the main event for the Western Canadian Middleweight championship, as he takes on two-time title challenger Paul Bzdel.
Also in a title fight, a rematch from last year’s fight of the night at the Port Theater, will be Peggy Maerz going up against Alisah McPhee for the CPBC western Canadian title.
Also on the card will be former UFC fighter and sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, Dashon Johnson.
He’ll take on a scrappy opponent in Chris Aucoin, who won an entertaining fight last year at the Port Theater as well.
Local legend Gordy Racette will take on Sandy Pembroke in a bout that will make history for Racette, who will be the third man in the history of boxing and the first Canadian to fight in five decades. Saoul Mombay, of the United States, and the legendary Roberto Duran, from Panama, are the other two.
The event will also feature amateur fights, in association with Combsport.
“It’s going to be an exciting night of fights,” Gloved Up Promotions’ Terry Strawson said. “Our two title fights are going to be great bouts.”
“The fight between Dashon and Chris should be an entertaining one; both of their styles are very exciting for fight fans. Then, of course, with Gordy making history in his fight, that’s going to be something special to watch and it should be a good bout as well, with Pembroke’s last fight being for the Canadian Cruiserweight title.”