Local Fighter Ready to Shine at River Cree Resort and Casino

Hennessy Sports29th July, 2008

On August 15, at The Venue at The River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta, the stage will be set for the battle between undefeated British middleweight sensation "Dazzling" Darren Barker (17-0, 11 KO's) and Larry Sharpe (22-4, 10 KO's), of Pine Falls, Manitoba, but local fighters like super middleweight Jason DeLaronde (8-0, 1 KO), featherweight Omar Valdez (4-2-1, 1 KO), heavyweight Sheldon Hinton (7-6-1, 2 KO's), and junior middleweight Trevor Moyah (3-3-1, 1 KO) are looking to steal the show.

For DeLaronde, the card - presented by Hennessy Sports Canada, and The River Cree Resort and Casino, and shown live, in Canada, on Super Channel (check your local listings for details) - is the biggest opportunity of his burgeoning career.

"Fighting on this card is a big deal. This is a chance to show some big names like Darren Barker what I'm capable of."

"I better bring my A-plus game to the table."

DeLaronde will take on Eduardo Calderon (4-6), a foe who, he insists, will not be underestimated.

"It doesn't matter what your opponent's record is, they're a fighter, and they come to fight, and win."

"Everybody has their day, so I have to up the percentages that the day will belong to me by training like mad, and leaving the gym everyday knowing I gave it my all. That's the only way the odds will be in my favour."

According to DeLaronde's trainer, Ken Lakusta, the undefeated prospect does more than just pay lip service when it comes to his training regiment.

"This kid is such a hard trainer, and he's so fit. He moves well in the ring, and he's tough to find, and he's got some snap on his punches."

"He fights a lot like Roy Jones Jr."  

And while his trainer is quick to lavish praise, DeLaronde, a relative newcomer to boxing, isn't about to let any lofty comparisons go to his head.

"I have so much room for improvement, and I need to keep learning."

"I don't have any amateur experience, so I have to train twice as hard as these guys with long backgrounds in the sport."

"My feet can be faster. My hands can hit harder. I can be better. I can never ever keep myself from improving. It has to always be 'Go, Go, Go!'"

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