Undefeated Bascome to take on former MMA fighter
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Nikki Bascome is scheduled to fight against Argentinian Matthew Abregu on the undercard of next month's WBC world middleweight championship rematch at Berkeley Institute (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Junior middleweight boxer Nikki Bascome will rest his unbeaten amateur record on the line against Matthew Abregu on local soil next month, The Royal Gazette can reveal.
The Bermudian will lock horns with his Argentinian rival on the undercard of Teresa Perozzi’s WBC world middleweight championship rematch against Tori Nelson at Berkeley Institute on February 2.
Bascome, whose amateur record stands at 9-0, has been training in the UK recently and plans to turn pro later this year.
In his previous appearance on local soil Bascome fought against Canadian Justin Garant in an exhibition bout during last October’s ‘All or Nothing’ WBC & WBA middleweight unification championship fight between Perozzi and Nelson at Fairmont Southampton.
The orthodox fighter was supposed to defend his Dynamic Fighting Championship junior middleweight title in Orlando, Florida last October. However, Bascome’s trainer Allen (Forty) Rego withdrew his fighter from the bout after raising concerns over the weight of American opponent Tyrone Walker.
Despite withdrawing fight promoters allowed the Bermudian to keep his title.
Former mixed martial arts fighter Abregu is based in Virginia and trained by Craig Fladager who also trains and manages the unbeaten Nelson who battled to a draw with Perozzi last October.
The Argentinian currently boasts an amateur record of 3-3.
Despite being less experienced than his Bermudian rival, Fladager is confident his fighter will be equal to the task.
“Even though Nikki has more experience and is a good fighter I’m not worried about that because Matthew trains with a lot of pros and guys in the gym at that weight class (150lbs) so I think he will be okay,” he said.
Bascome could not be reached for comment on his upcoming five round bout.
Abregu will be accompanied in Bermuda by brother Diego who will fight on the same undercard against local Andre Lambe in a three round lightweight bout.
Former high school basketball player Diego currently boasts an unblemished 3-0 amateur record compared to Lambe’s record of 1-0.
“I don’t know the opponent (Lambe) but Diego is fast, he’s long and very athletic so that would be the problem for whoever he’s fighting,” Fladager said. “He’s quick and even though he’s inexperienced he’s not bad.
“They (Matthew and Diego) are great kids and deserving of this opportunity because they work hard in the gym. I’m trying to get them some international experience, so I’m glad this opportunity came up for them. They are really excited to come.”
Next month’s WBC world middleweight championship rematch (ten rounds) between Perozzi (9-4-2) and Nelson (6-0-2) will be the main event of Fight Night 15 at Berkeley Institute Gym.
The undercard will comprise of eight amateur boxing matches.
Tickets for the upcoming event can be obtained at International Sports Shop and PTIX.BM.
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Published Jan 17, 2013 at 8:09 am (Updated Jan 17, 2013 at 8:09 am)