Heavyweight Thomas Hardwick has a new opponent for his pro debut at Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom this Thursday night. Brooklyn's Kenyata Bryant is out and in comes Derek Walker, a hulking Georgia native nicknamed "The Postman."
The 0-2 Bryant was rejected by the New York State Athletic Commission that governs professional boxing, said Jim Foley, Hardwick's manager.
Hardwick, 6-foot-2 and up to 215 pounds for his first taste of prizefighting, said he could be giving away as much as 45 pounds and three inches to Walker in their scheduled four-rounder.
He's, however, unperturbed, having sparred numerous rounds with Derric Rossy, an experienced [25-4] and rangy 6-foot-three heavyweight from upstate New York.
"It's OK. I'll do the business," said Hardwick. "I'll work to the body, cut him down to size and get him out of there early."
And for a big man, Walker's ledger is pedestrian at best.
"I know that he won his first fight and lost the next one," said Hardwick.
According to boxrec.com, Walker, a pro since April 2008, is actually 1-4 and has been knocked out in three of his four losses. His sole win was on his debut three years ago.
In Hardwick, he faces a 26-year-old Dubliner who went undefeated in the amateurs [8-0] and won a prestigious title in the New York Daily News Golden Gloves tournament.
The Irishman picked up the novice heavyweight crown in last year's Gloves. He entered the open division this year but pulled out without fighting after an arm injury.
Healed and back in shape, the Yonkers resident said he was ready to rumble. "I'm ready to go and looking forward to it," Hardwick said.
The Roseland Ballroom is located at 239 West 52nd Street. Doors open at 7 p.m.
LEE FIGHT
In the village of Rosemont on the outskirts of Chicago tonight [Wednesday], Andy Lee squares off with veteran Alex Bunema for the NABF and NABA middleweight titles.
Lee [25-1, 19 KOs] and ranked fifth by the World Boxing Association, is primed for his first championship match States-side.
"I'm in excellent shape and looked really good in the gym," he told the Echo ahead of the 10-rounder at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
"I've been sparring with guys like Marlon Thomas and Will Price. I even boxed Chad Dawson one day."
Dawson is a former world light heavyweight champion and the only man to defeat recent Kevin McBride conqueror Tomasz Adamek when the latter fought at 175-pounds.
Still, Lee said it won't be easy.
"I think it will be a tough fight," he predicted. "Bunema is experienced and strong and it's a big opportunity for him to get back on top so I will be taking nothing for granted. The fight is for both the NABF and NABA titles so there is an extra incentive for me to win."
The Congolese-born Bunema is 31-7-2 with 17 KOs.
COYLE SUSPENSE
Scheduled to appear on the Lee-Bunema undercard is Mayo banger Henry Coyle, a 14-2 [11 KOs] light middleweight. But by press time, the "Western Warrior" still had no designated opponent.
"I don't know, I can't get an opponent," Coyle said. "Two names have fallen through since last Thursday but I still hope to fight. I'm in great shape mentally and physically and ready."
