BOXING: TRUAX, LEATHERWOOD HEADLINE GRAND CASINO SHOW

Former world title challenger “Golden” Caleb Truax of Osseo, Minnesota (27-3-2, 17 KO’s) will battle 28 year old KeAndrae “Lightning” Leatherwood (20-4-1, 13 KO’s) of Birmingham, Alabama in the main event on August 25, 2017 at the Grand Casino’s new outdoor amphitheater in Hinckley, MN. Both Truax and Leatherwood are battle tested at the highest level and the winner is almost guaranteed another shot at a world class opportunity.

The 33 year old Minnesota state middleweight champion Truax was a regular at the Grand Casino throughout the first half of his boxing career and plans on making the most of his return. Truax’s amateur boxing days were cut short, but he’s made the most of his pro boxing career by taking on every type of boxer imaginable at all levels which ultimately led to a WBA World middleweight title fight two years ago. 2016 saw Truax challenge one of the worlds best in Andre Dirrell as well as pick up two victories back home in Minnesota. Truax knows that the stakes are high for this fight and says he’s ready to put on a show.

“I am very excited to be headlining this big card, outside at the Grand Casino amphitheater. It’s been over 6 years since I last fought in Hinckley, and I’m glad to be back. My opponent, KeAndrae Leatherwood is an experienced veteran of 25 fights with some pop, good speed, and boxing ability. It will feel great to get back in the ring in front of my MN fans and put on a good show against a solid fighter. I hope to see everyone outside, under the lights on Friday, August 25th!”

Born in Alabama and now residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Leatherwood says he began boxing in late 2000. After falling in love with the sport the day he stepped foot in the gym, Leatherwood went on  to compete in over 120 amateur bouts, placing second in the National Silver Gloves in his first tournament, winning the National and International Junior Olympics, and taking bronze in the under 19 Nationals before turning pro.
“Lightning” Leatherwood had a solid showing this past March against former WBO Middleweight champion Andy Lee at Madison Square Garden in New York and picked up a win in his most recent fight this past May. Like Truax, Leatherwood can use a victory to propel himself into contention for a big time fight. And that is what he says he plans to do.

“I am excited that I have the opportunity to make my mark in the state of Minnesota. This is a fight that I have wanted to happen years ago. I know that he is a tough brawler. I am aware that I am coming behind enemy lines for this fight, but I will be ready. I will be prepared for the best Truax come August 25th. I do not have doubt in my mind that I will be victorious and I know that I am up for the task. I am not expecting the fight to go the distance. We both have been in with the best in the business but my experiences in camps with guys like Canelo (Alvarez) , Triple G (Gennady Golovkin), and Demetrius Andrade to name a few have prepared me for fighters like Traux. The winner of this fight should be in line for a title shot and I expect that to be me. I plan to leave Minnesota with a new fan base.”

Look for more “Grand fight announcements” for the August 25th show throughout the week.

Also, Read more about one of the other featured bouts between Markus Morris and Tony Lee… CLICK HERE