“GENERATION NXT” PRO BOXING RETURNS ON SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 AT THE MNPLS HYATT
Professional boxing returns to Minnesota on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Hyatt in downtown Minneapolis. SO Boxing presents the GENERATION NXT boxing series which features some of Minnesota’s top amateurs ready to join the professional ranks mixed with prospects and veterans.
Corey Thompson (5-2, 4 KO’s), head coach of Nordic Warriors Gym in Alexandria, MN will box in a 175 pound, 6 round main event. Training camp will pick right back up for Thompson who had been training for fights which fell through. 2022 National Golden Gloves tournament bronze medalist Jerred Bradford of Brooklyn Park, MN will make his pro debut in a featured bout.
“The Dynamic Warrior” Mengistu Zarzar (10-9-1, 8 KO’s) returned to Minnesota last week from Atlanta, Georgia to begin training camp for a featured spot on the card. Rumors of a possible 175 pound state title showdown against Corey Thompson have begun to circulate on a future show.
Former five-time New York State Golden Gloves champion Lionell Thompson (22-5, 12 KO’s) of Las Vegas, Nevada will adds National talent to the card. Thompson boxed in the 2008 Olympic trials and last fought in 2019 where he defeated Jose Uzcategui (29-3) by 10 round decision.
Decorated amateur boxers Isayah Smith of Duluth, MN and Oscar Soto of Saint Paul, MN are set to make their pro debuts in four round bouts. More boxers and bouts will be announced shortly.
” I’m thrilled to be bringing professional boxing back to Minnesota on a regular basis” said Tony Grygeko of SO Boxing. “After a hiatus from the promotional scene since before the pandemic, we are excited to reintroduce this dynamic sport to the mainstream.”
“Our goal is to create a solid platform for fighters to showcase their talent and elevate to the next level. Here’s to restoring boxing to the level it once was prior to the pandemic and re-establishing Minnesota as one of the premier boxing scenes in the world!”
Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by visiting www.sofights.com ($125 VIP, $85 table seats, $65 reserved seating, $45 general admission. The Hyett Regency is located at 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55403.
