Atlantic City, NJ—It took one year to nail down, but Omar Sheika, of Paterson, NJ, and Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, meet for the second time when they collide in a scheduled 12-round contest Saturday evening, April 23, in the Palladium Ballroom at Caesars Atlantic City.
At stake, in addition to revenge for Wilson, will be the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) cruiserweight title. The first of seven fights begins at 7.30 p.m. in the 1,450-seat ballroom, the first time it has been used for boxing.
Sheika, 34, scored a fourth-round knockout over Wilson on Mar. 26, 2010, in Hamilton Township, NJ. Wilson, unknown at the time, started fast, won the first round, but played to the crowd, stood and danced between rounds in his corner, then slowly ran out of gas and ideas. The fight turned late in the second round when Sheika found his range and Wilson’s body. By the fourth, it was over.
After that, Skeika (30-10, 21 K0s) knocked out Jim Strohl, of Las Vegas, NV, again in Hamilton Township, then lost a 10-round decision to world-rated Romanian light-heavyweight Adrian Diaconu, in Montreal, Canada.
A pro since 1997, Sheika remains one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. He has wins over Simon Brown, Glen Johnson and James Butler and he fought for world titles four times as a super middleweight, losing to Joe Calzaghe, Eric Lucas, Jeff Lacy and Markus Beyer.
Sheika has been a popular performer on television and was in Fight-of-the-Year candidates with Scott Pemberton (twice) and Thomas Tate and he also boxed Roy Jones, Jr.
Though Sheika has been campaigning as a light-heavyweight, the rematch with Wilson will be at a catch-weight of 185 pounds.
Wilson, 28, calls himself the “Ultimate Warrior” for his willingness for take on the best any time, any place. He has come a long way since losing to Sheika.
Though he dropped a six-round decision in his next fight to lefty Julio Cesar Matthews, of Reading, PA, Wilson has been climbing the ladder.
He knocked out fellow-Philadelphian Reshawn Scott in one round, then held Andres Taylor, (then 16-1-1) to an eight-round draw in Taylor’s backyard of Johnstown, PA.
Wilson followed with his most impressive showing when he came from behind to knock out Aaron Williams, (then 20-2-1) in seven rounds in what was supposed to be a Mayfield Heights, OH, homecoming for Williams.
A pro less than three years, Wilson is 9-5-1, 4 K0s, and eager to stay in the fast lane.
Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-736-1420). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.
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