LONDON — Live USA Boxing sanctioned amateur boxing returns to London on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.
“New Years with a Bang” will be hosted by Loughran’s Olympic Boxing, located at 361 Levi Jackson Mill Road in London.
Kicking off the show will be Loughran’s Olympic Boxing athletes, “Boxing Barbie” Amy Lazzara and Noelia “La Maquina” Merced. Amy Lazzara, a southpaw and North Laurel High School senior, is the first Kentuckian to receive the Sarge Johnson College Scholarship through USA Boxing.
Noelia Merced, a South Laurel High School senior, returns to the ring following a four-year layoff. Merced, whose soccer career ended due to a traumatic knee injury requiring surgery, eagerly anticipates stepping back into the ring in front of her hometown crowd. The two female boxers and teammates will square off in a developmental bout in which no decision is rendered.
“I have coached four female national and world amateur champions over the last 16 years. These two ladies are as talented as any of them. If they maintain their current courses, they have an excellent opportunity to be Kentucky’s first female Olympians in 2028,” Jerry Loughran said.
A pair of Williamsburg southpaw brothers, Wyatt and Allen Probus, will also take to the squared circle on Saturday. Wyatt, a standout football player and high school hurdler, will face Jaylen McDermott of Johnson City, Tenn. in his very first bout. Older brother Allen (165 pounds) will put his 2023 undefeated streak on the line when he headlines the card against Will Hicks of Lafollette, Tenn.
Fifteen-year-old Mexican heavyweight sensation Alejandro Avila will be in action, taking on Jasonik Hughes of Lexington.
“Alex is a legitimate heavyweight already 6’1” and boxes like a middleweight. I think our fans will be blown away to see an athlete as young and skilled with the size he has,” Loughran said.
Lebron “Action” Jackson will face Joseph Farinas of Hendersonville, NC in what promises to be the classic boxer versus brawler matchup.
“Lebron moves great, has great hand speed, and puts his combinations together very well. This bout will be all about which boxer can control the distance that the fight takes place at the most,” Loughran said.
“The Dynamite Mennonite” Nathaniel Roggie will take on Shawn Hudson of Igo’s Boxing in Richmond. “I have always spoken openly about my desire to train an Amish or Mennonite athlete,” Loughran said. “When Nathaniel arrived, I was happy to check that box. Despite being the father of four boys, he and his wife make a way for Nathaniel to train. He’s in tremendous condition, and he’ll put on a great show for our fans.”
Also competing on the card will be Hayden Van Horn, the son of two-time IBF Junior & Super Middleweight World Champion Darrin “Schoolboy” Van Horn. Van Horn will take on Ethan Johnson of Lafollette, Tenn.
“Darrin and I trained together 30 years ago and have been friends ever since,” Loughran said. “It’s an honor to play a role in the development of his son’s boxing career by having Hayden on the show. Darrin will be in attendance as well.”
Presale tickets for the show cost only $15, $20 at the door. VIP tables, including ringside seating for 6 and food, cost $250. Children 10 & under are admitted free of charge. For more information, phone Loughran’s Olympic Boxing at 859-333-7025.
