Professional boxing is making a comeback in downtown Baltimore, and this time, it’s stepping into the rings at the Hilton Inner Harbor.<\/p>\n
The fight night scheduled for April 25 will feature nearly two dozen fighters, including Maryland’s own Jaqeem Hutcherson.<\/p>\n
“It means everything to me and to graduate from here in Baltimore at Morgan State University… it just means a lot to me, and I’ll be thinking about that as I walk into the ring,” said Hutcherson.<\/p>\n
The 29-year-old fighter told WJZ he’s been waiting for this moment to perform in front of a hometown crowd.<\/p>\n
“This is my city, this is my town. You ain’t coming in here and taking it from me,” he said.<\/p>\n
City leaders say the event is also part of a bigger strategy to bring large-scale events back to Baltimore’s downtown core.<\/p>\n
“We look at this as an economic driver to the city,” said Kevin Seawright, Executive VP of Baltimore Development Corp.<\/p>\n
Coming off major events like CIAA and a sold-out Orioles opening day, officials say Baltimore is proving it can deliver.<\/p>\n
Strong turnout expected<\/p>\n
Promoters say they’re expecting a strong turnout, and this is just the beginning.<\/p>\n
“We plan to sell it out,” said Christen Jeter, owner of Jeter Promotions. “The fans of Baltimore will come to support it and enjoy a night in a beautiful hotel with an exciting show.”<\/p>\n
For fighters like Hutcherson, it’s a chance to put on a show.<\/p>\n
“You guys are not going to want to miss that I’m going to put on a spectacular performance…mark my words,” he said. “It’s going to a butt-whooping going on for sure.”<\/p>\n
Fight night is set for April 25 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, with the main card starting around 9:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
Tickets and full fight details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n