New York, NY – Like every other prizefighter around the globe, junior middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson’s dreamed of competing in big bouts and making the most money possible; albeit for different reasons.
By now, the cause Melson fights for is well documented. As the co-founder of Team Fight to Walk who was an integral part of a successful May 2013 fundraising dinner amongst other events, he’s helped raise a significant amount of money for Spinal Cord Injury research. Melson’s also been a success inside the squared circle, compiling an impressive 14-1-1 record with 4 wins by knockout. Even with all of his accolades, the 32-year-old’s been looking for the kind of fight that will take him to the next level.
The popular Manhattan based Brooklynite will have the opportunity to show the world that he’s a top 154 pounder when he faces contender Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia Saturday, July 26 at Madison Square Garden. Tickets for the card featuring Melson-Tapia, which is headlined by a world middleweight title bout between WBA champion Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale, are available at teamfighttowalk.com.
Hailing from the tough streets of Passaic, NJ, Tapia’s a blood and guts warrior who gives fans their monies worth every time he fights. Eight years Melson’s junior, he’s 20-1 with 12 wins by knockout, most notably stopping previously unbeaten Abie Han in July 2013. In his premium cable debut last December, Tapia got off to a blazing start and hurt James Kirkland in the opening round before ultimately ending up on the wrong end of a brutal sixth round stoppage. With the same management team that handled the late, great Arturo Gatti backing him, Tapia returned with a vengeance June 14, stopping veteran Keenan Collins in 84 seconds.
“This is going to be the toughest fight of my career but these are the kinds of bouts I have to win if I’m going to make it to the next level,” said Melson. “Glen is a good, strong fighter and I’ve seen him a number of times. I know I’m considered the underdog but I don’t feel like one. In the amateurs, I was defeated a number of guys that are currently top pros. I’ve been working almost four years as a professional for an opportunity like this and put in too much work just to let this massive stage get to me. I’m confident July 26 will be my coming out party to the upper echelon of the 154 pound division.”
In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.
For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.
