25.07 - BROCKTON -- IBC American heavyweight champion Kevin McBride will defend his title on August 9 at the Brockton Fairgrounds as the co-headliner in the fourth Mohegan Sun FightNight New England series produced by Cappiello Promotions. On Thursday, promoter Rich Cappiello announced that McBride will fight Lenzie Morgan on the fight card that will feature Brockton middleweight Ian Gardner, undefeated Willie Gibbs and Melvin Cumba.

McBride has not fought since St. Patrick's Day when he knocked out Najee Shaheed in the eighth round to highlight the first Mohegan Sun FightNight New England show of 2003. That battle was not the artistic success that Kevin McBride may have wanted but the victory enabled the heavyweight to do two things, defend his IBC American heavyweight title and look forward to the future knowing a step up in competition lies ahead.

That step will come in the name of Morgan who is a very deceptive fighter despite his sub.500 record. Morgan lost a split decision to Courage Tshabalaba on a recent ESPN fight.

"Kevin will have to earn this victory," said Cappiello. "We could have gotten a fighter with a better record but this is a better challenge for Kevin."

The fight card at the Fairgrounds in Brockton on August 9 promises to be an exciting one for boxing fans and those who are just acquiring a taste for the sweet science. Gardner will be looking for his 14th career win in 15 fights against veteran Dave Hadden.

Gibbs is quickly establishing himself as a fighter to be reckoned with as he has begun his professional career with 14 straight wins, 11 by knockout. He will be challenged by the Louisiana-based Charles Leggett who has begun his professional career by winning seven out of eight fights. Cumba is also undefeated in the early stages of his career (5-0) as he will face rookie Nathan Francis.

There will also be two Brockton area grudge matches as heavyweight Danny Sheehan will battle Randolph's Billy Mofford and supermiddleweight Mike Culbert of Brockton will give Dave Hamilton of Hanson one more chance at revenge. Culbert, former Massachusetts title holder, beat Hamilton six years ago and the Hanson supermiddleweight has been waiting since for his chance at redemption. South Boston's Jimmy LeBlanc will also be on the nine-fight card battling Marcus Luck.

Cappiello Promotions will also honor legendary boxing figure Babe Wood with the Mohegan Sun FightNight New England Lifetime Achievement Award. There will also be a special appearance by the Cappacione School of Arts who will perform a "Grease Medley."

The doors open at 4 p.m. on August 9 and the first fight is scheduled for 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $75 for gold ringside, $40 for ringside and $30 for general admission. The price of the ticket for anyone under the age of 14 is $10. There will also be a festival-type atmosphere at the Fairgrounds. Details on the entertainment beside boxing is forthcoming. For ticket information, call 508 587-5554 or 508 587-3370 or check out the website at www.cappielloboxing.com