MNPLS VS SAINT PAUL GOLDEN GLOVES PREVIEW
ANDERSON, SANDS, BRANT AND MORE IN ACTION
Story and Photos By Jesse Kelley
12-31-09

A big night of amateur boxing action is set to take place this New Years weekend at the Saint Paul Armory on Saturday January 2nd. Top amateur boxers from Region 1 (Minneapolis) and Region 2 (Saint Paul) will go head to head in a stacked card. Headlining will be top rated national light heavyweight Robert Brant, who just returned from a competition in Russia. Brant will face SD born Aaron Hillberg. Brant, and matchmaker Bobby Brunette were recently on KFAI radio hyping the show.

In a featured bout, exciting heavyweights Al Sands (Horton's Gym) will meet Brent Anderson (Uppercut) in a rematch bout. Both men described their first meeting as being a close, fan friendly affair and both are confident the second go at it will be the same.

Al Sands (pictured left)

"I would like to start by saying I like the way Brunette's, Uppercut and Hortons gym are promoting amateur boxing and it's a pleasure to be a part of it" said Sands when asked to talk about Saturdays event. "This sport has been a very positive experience for me and I'm thankful for the opportunity to train in the same gym as professionals like Zach Walters, the state middleweight champ Andy Kolle, and undefeated welterweight Gary Eyer. I'm in the best shape of my life and happy to see that so many people enjoy coming to see us perform. Brent Anderson is a good fighter and this will be our second time fighting each other in his back yard. I'm thankful for the opportunity to fight him again but it would be nice if he would come up to Duluth and support the shows in my hometown also. I want to fight on a national stage and being that there is a limited amount of heavyweights in the state we will need to fight each other allot if we want to continue to get better. The last time we met it was a very close decision and I hope for the same level of competitive energy this time around."

"In fights between the two of us, he has a history of backing out at the last minute" Stated Anderson when asked about his history against Sands. "I hope this pattern doesn't continue because four times is enough. I am prepared and fully expect a good, tough fight. The first time we fought was a good match up. I am planning on this fight being a small stepping stone on my way to Nationals in the spring."

Brent Anderson (pictured right)

Another featured heavyweight bout pits Aaron Green (Uppercut) against Larry Butler (Team Amos). There will be a handful of more bouts.