Mcguinness to defend NABA belt against veteran KO artist Avila

NABA Lightweight champion Logan Cotton McGuinness (13-0-1, 6 KO’s) will face the sternest test of his young career when he steps into the ring to defend his title against hard hitting Dominican Hector Julio Avila (47-5, 42 KO’s) in the main event of the stacked February 19th card at the Hershey Centre, in Mississauga, ON.

McGuinness, one of the most promising young fighters in the world, has improved steadily over each of his 14 professional fights, compiling a stellar 13-0-1 mark that includes 6 KO’s.

However, it’s been his performances in his last two fights which have piqued the interests of boxing insiders. Last September, McGuinness captured the vacant NABA title with a comprehensive second round TKO beat-down of Buzz Grant, an opponent many thought would be too slick for him to handle. McGuinness followed up with a near shot-out victory over tough-as-nails Adrian Verdugo (17-2-1, 14 KO’s) this past November in what was the runner up to Pascal vs Hopkins as Canadian fight of the year.

“With Logan, we’re seeing a kid turn into a man right before our eyes,” said McGuinness’ promoter Adam Harris, of Hennessy Sports Canada.

“So much so that I think he’s actually ready for a seasoned KO artist like Avila. Last year at this time, there’s no way I’d consider Avila, but Logan has proved he’s more than ready to step up the level of competition.”

The 38 year-old Avila has only lost once in his last eight fights, and is looking to right the ship after being stopped in the second round by unbeaten Jenifel Vincente last September.

“Not only can Avila knockdown a brick wall, but he’s desperate to get back to the top of the world rankings. And Logan’s NABA belt is just the ticket Avila is looking to cash.”

In February 19th’s co-main event, hometown heroes Tebor “Mighty” Brosch (6-3-4, 2 KO’s) and Samuel Vargas (7-0, 1 KO) square-off for Brosch’s Canadian Welterweight title.

Brosch heads into battle on February 19th undefeated in his last seven bouts, while Vargas is looking to keep his “0” in tact while landing his first professional title in the process.

And as if that wasn’t enough, a special 8 round attraction sees former WBC Junior Welterweight champion, Junior “The Hitter” Witter (37-3-2, 22 KO’s), from Sheffield, England, making his welterweight debut against Romanian-born Torontonian Victor Lupo (18-1-2, 9 KO’s).

Witter, who captured the WBC world title in September of 2006 by topping DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, hasn’t fought since injuring his left hand 17 months ago in a WBC 140 lb. title clash with current division kingpin Devon Alexander, and is itching to show the world that he’s back on track towards another world title reign.