Wilson faces Reed Sept 24 in Oregon

By Ricardo Ibarra

Unbeaten cruiserweight Mike “White Delight” Wilson (14-0, 9 KOs) will take on his most experienced opponent to date on Saturday September 24th at the Jackson County Expo in his hometown of Central Point, Oregon, facing off with battle-tested journeyman Damon Reed (48-19, 32 KOs) in the main event of White Delight Promotions’ Rogue Valley Rumble 5.

Wilson, who has steadily grown as a draw in southern Oregon, pulling in some of the biggest crowds of any fighting sport event in the state, has fought his last four bouts at the Expo, scoring knockouts in all but three. In his most recent outing, Wilson defeated Mike Bissett with a six round unanimous decision.

Reed, of Topeka, Kansas, has faced a long list of world class notables and former world champions including James Toney (L UD 10 in 2011), Hasim Rahman (L KO 6 in 2010), and current WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (L KO 2 in 2011). The twenty-one year long pro challenged Herbie Hide for the WBO heavyweight title in 1998, losing by TKO in the first round. Reed last fought in June, losing to Al Sands in the third round. They will meet in an eight rounder.

Six other bouts featuring match-ups between Pacific Northwest fighters round out the rest of the card including an intriguing five round semi-main event between heavy-handed puncher Marcelino Pineda (5-2, 5 KOs), of Sunnyside, Washington, and Portland’s Gabe “Ducky” Pineda (4-2-2, 1 KO). Also, former amateur stand-out Victor Morales, Jr. (1-0), of Portland, who recently signed a promotional deal with former IBF world welterweight title holder Shawn Porter, will fight as a pro for the second time, facing Felipe Medina in a four round featherweight bout. Porter is expected to make a guest appearance at the event. Also making a guest appearance will be Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele.

Pre-sale tickets to Rogue Valley Rumble 5 can be purchased at Hawaiian Hut in Central Point and all Lil’ Pantry locations.