Minto wants shot at a title
CENTER TWP — Brian Minto considers boxing to be a forgiving sport — to a degree.
"You still have to perform," the 35-year-old cruiserweight said. "I feel like I've got something to prove to some people.
"My goal hasn't changed. I want to get back into a world title fight."
Step One toward that goal takes place Oct. 29 when Minto (34-4) steps into the ring with Cory Phelps (13-6-1) of Catlettsburg, Ky., in the main event of a pro-am boxing card at Ghost Riders.
The deal for the 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Continental-Americas cruiserweight title was signed recently and approved by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
Minto is coming off two straight losses, though the opposition has been world heavyweight contender Chris Arreola (29-2) and WBO world cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (30-1).
"My heart got in the way against Arreola. I just went after him," the Butler native said. "Huck is the best cruiserweight in the world. He just pounded Matt Godfrey (20-1) in his last fight before taking him out in the fifth round.
"Godfrey is supposed to be better than me. I gave Huck a much better fight. A loss is a loss, but it shows me I can compete at a high level."
Minto hasn't fought since he retired himself after nine rounds against Huck May 1 in Germany. Phelps, 24, hasn't fought in more than a year.
The 6-foot-2 Phelps did take Dewey Cooper (18-3-3) the distance before losing an eight-round decision at Las Vegas in July 2009.
"The guy is looking for a fight to get himself into the mix, and beating Minto would do it for him," Minto's manager, Pat Nelson, said. "But Brian knows he has to win this fight.
"If he wins, we'll get a title defense in before the end of the year. If he loses ... he's probably done."
Nelson said the title defense likely would come against 33-year-old Ryan Henney (15-3-1), the Canadian cruiserweight champion.
Showtime is putting together a Super Six cruiserweight event early next year "that we'd love to get Brian involved with. But first things first. We need a win," he added.
The Oct. 29 undercard features junior middleweight Joe Luketic of Kittanning making his pro debut, lightweight Chris Hazimihalis (3-0) of Kittanning in a six-round bout and Sam Suska (0-2) of Pittsburgh in a four-round super middleweight bout.
Nelson said the amateur portion of the card will feature numerous regional fighters and will have an Ohio vs. Pennsylvania format.
Tickets are $20, $50 and $75 and are available at Bill's Beer Barn or by calling 724-287-6923.
