New Jersey’s new boxing mecca
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey. An hour and half from Philly and twenty minutes from New York City makes this municipality a great place for boxing. Newark is home to the Prudential Center, an indoor arena located in the downtown section of the city. The Prudential Center, also known as “The Rock,” can seat up to 18,500 fans. Until Atlantic City finds its next star, The Rock is New Jersey’s newest and hottest place for boxing.
On July 16th, Main Events and Super Judah Promotions put on an excellent “Brick City Boxing Series” at the Prudential Center. About 3,000 fans attending Zab Judah’s comeback but the atmosphere felt as if 10,000 fans were in attendance. Main Events did a great job putting local talent in hard, entertaining fights.
In the opening bout, Newark’s Angel Concepcion won a four round light heavyweight fight against Shannon Anderson. With his second win in his second professional fight, Concepcion showed that he has some talent and is eager to fight. A cruiserweight bout between Jersey City’s Patrick Farrell and the Bronx’s Newton Kidd was an action pack battle that ended 
in a draw. In most other states, Farrell would have won a hometown decision, but New Jersey has a fair commission and the right outcome was awarded. In the final untelevised fight, Adam Kownacki knocked out Dayton, Ohio’s Damien Clement. It was an exciting heavyweight war. What was more exciting was the thrilling tone of Kownacki’s fans. Kownacki is a well supported Polish fighter. About two sections of the arena was filled with his supporters but created the feeling as if they filled the entire arena. I cannot wait for the Adamek-Grant fight in which an expected 5,000 plus Polish fans will come to support their home town fighter.
ESPN Friday Night Fight’s broadcasted 3 fights. First was Newark’s own undefeated Alex Perez against a last minute replacement, Edvan Barros. This was Perez’s first test in his career. Although he looked sloppy and fought Barros’ fight, he came away with the unanimous decision. Perez, a 6’1” welterweight could have easily used his reach to keep Barros away but decided to fight inside with Barros. It showed that Perez is a tough fighter but has a lot to learn. He can fight inside, hopefully out side but the question is, can he box smart?
Sadam Ali fought at a 145 catchweight with Juluis Edmonds. Edmonds had only been stopped once in 14 fights due to a bloody ear. Ali, a 2008 Olympian looked like a seasoned pro. He was slick, threw combinations and dropped Edmonds 3 times. A Brooklyn native, Ali felt the support of the crowd throughout his battle. Besides Judah, Ali was the most 
impressive fighter on the card. He carries a confidence that portrays a future star. I am looking forward to seeing him in the future.
In the main event, Zab Judah looked as sharp as ever. This was no easy fight. Jose Armando Santa Cruz is no joke. He is a tall, rugged, and durable fighter. A well set-up and thrown uppercut dropped Santa Cruz in the 3rd. After he rose, the seasoned Judah used his ring smarts to quickly finish off his opponent and declare to the world he is back.
The Prudential Center was the host to all these great fights. Every single seat is a good seat. With clear views of the ring from all over the arena, this is a great place for fights. The arena is state of the art, the crowd is loud, respectful and incredible and the fights are world class. I am excited to see future fights at the Prudential Center and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great fight in the New Jersey tri-state area.
All Photos By Emily Harney