Shediac, New Brunswick (May 12, 2012) – Shediac’s Festival Arena was packed to near capacity last night with eager fight fans, who turned out in droves to see rising New Brunswick prospects Chris ‘The Natural’ Norrad (12-0-0, 6KO) of Boisetown and Brandon ‘L-Jack’ Brewer (7-0-1, 3KO) of Fredericton on an exciting boxing card organized by Fightin’ Fisherman Promotions.
In the main event of the evening, NABA Canada cruiserweight champion Chris Norrad made his much anticipated return to the ring in an eight round, non-title clash with undefeated power puncher Alex Hamel (3-1-0, 3KO) of St Pie, Quebec. Although Hamel proved a game and worthy opponent, Norrad was able to control the pace of the fight with his jab, mixing in counter-punches when opportunities arose. Hamel looked hurt in round three, but soldiered on for the remainder of the fight. In the end, however, it was the slick boxing of Norrad that won the day, handing Hamel the first loss of his professional career via unanimous decision: 79-75, 79-75, 78-77.
In the night’s co-main event, undefeated light middleweight Brandon Brewer put on an impressive performance against the resilient Emmanuel Guzman of Quebec City in their six round set-to. Brewer hurt Guzman early in the fight, dropping the Quebec-based pug in round two. Guzman beat the ten count, but was dropped once again in round three, putting him well behind on the scorecards. Nonetheless, Guzman tried to make a fight of it, firing big looping right hands at Brewer, who kept up a steady attack for the whole six rounds. At the end of six rounds, there was little doubt surrounding the outcome, with Brewer earning a wide unanimous decision: 60-52, 60-52, 60-53.
Both Norrad and Brewer will be back in action over the summer as they continue their respective journeys toward international recognition.