“Bad Blood” Jan. 12 at the Target Center in Minneapolis

Matt Vanda

MINNEAPOLIS- Harley riding, tattoo covered Matt “The Predator” Vanda has been hunted by Minnesota middleweight champion Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante, but that changes January 12 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, when they headline “Bad Blood” in the 10-round main event and long awaited battle between the pair of warring intra-state rivals.

Former IBA Americas light middleweight title-holder Vanda (35-2, 21 KOs), fighting out of St. Paul, goes head-to-head against The Contender Season One star Bonsante (28-3-3, 17 KOs), of Shakopee, for the state title belt as well as the vacant IBA Americas championship.

“Bad Blood” is presented by former Minnesota boxer Tony Grygelko’s Seconds Out Promotions, in association with The Target Center.

In separate fights on November 17 at The Target Center, Vanda and Bonsante were both impressive winners in Seconds Out Promotions’ first show, which served as a prelude to the much-anticipated Minnesota dream fight Jan. 12 between these two acknowledged bitter enemies.

“I’m going to out-box and probably KO him in the late rounds,” Vanda said about his fight against Bonsante. “We hate each other and I’m sure a lot of people are going to be there watching our fight. I’m a way better boxer. He’s a tough dude but I’m not going to stand and
slug with him. Bonsante’s nothing special. He’s a bum – three jabs, a right hand and uppercut. And he drops his right hand.

“I’m 28 with 37 pro fights and 10-round experience. I think I’m reaching my prime; this is the best I’ve ever felt. I’ve had a lot of ups and down. I’m going to kick everybody’s ass who is in my way in the middleweight division.”

Two Minnesota heavyweights prospects, Minneapolis’ dangerous Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (9-1, 9 KOs) and Rochester’s gifted Raphael Butler (23-3, 19 KOs), fight Larry White (3-2, 2 KOs) Josh “The Griz” Gutcher (18-6, 13 KOs), respectively, in six-round bouts.
In a six-round, non-title match, Minnesota State featherweight champion Allen “The American Boy” Litzau (11-2, 6 KOs), of St. Paul, takes on Elvis “El Burrito” Martinez (10-19-2, 4 KOs), while undefeated featherweight Wilton Hilario (6-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of St. Louis Park (MN), tangles with former world champion Juan Polo Perez (46-44-4, 23 KOs) in a six-round bout.

St. Paul welterweight Raul “The Matador” Gracia (6-0, 2 KOs) meets LaMont Ingram (2-1-1, 1 KO) in yet another six-rounder. Also fighting on the undercard are Minnesota middleweights Kenny “K.O.” Kost (10-2, 6 KOs), of Centerville, and Maplewood’s Robert Kliewer (1-1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, plus St. Paul junior middleweight Jon Laboda makes his pro debut against an opponent to be determined. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, reasonably priced at $25.00, $50.00 and $100.00, are available at the Target Center box office, all TicketMaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 651.989.5151. VIP tables also are available for $200.00 and $250.00.

Doors open at 6 PM, first bout at 7 PM. For more information call 612.673,1600 or go to www.targetcenter.com.