Anthony Andreozzi vs. Julien Baptiste In crossroads fight for Mass. title

QUINCY, Mass. (July 19, 2022) – In a crossroads fight that will determine the future careers of the participants, Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi and Julien “The Black Dragon” Baptiste will fight August 6^th in the 6-round. co-featured event on “The Next Chapter,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

At stake will be the vacant Massachusetts Middleweight Championship, as well as bragging rights for the eventual victor.

Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO), fighting out of Swansea (MA), is excited about the opportunity to fight for a title belt at this early stage of his pro career.

“Fighting for a title is surreal,” Andreozzi said. “This time two years ago, I had little more than a few BoxFit classes under my belt, and to get here from there in this time frame has been a wild ride. This win could be a huge launching point for my career. I didn’t follow the traditional path most fighters take. I don’t have the years of Golden Gloves or any amateur experience, nor do I pick and choose my opponents. Coach and I had the same mindset since my pro debut. It won’t be easy but, 10 toes in and punch our way through the rankings. This title will open doors for me to be on my way.

“I’ve seen Baptiste fight a few times. He’s a clean boxer with a strong physical presence. He can throw his hands and move his head well. But in the shows I’ve seen him get beat up by welterweights, one of whom is my teammate. Styles make fights is always a big talking point in our camp. My style is very fluid. I don’t stick to one stance, guard, mindset, or anything for that matter. Julien is a more traditional boxer. He has a nice rhythm and smooth strikes. I always say my first goal is to take their strengths and nullify them, followed by exposing and then capitalizing on their weaknesses. I like to play a lot of head games in the ring and set traps.

“We’d all like to say we’re going to knock him out, but he’s a big guy for this weight class, and I’m not even in this weight class. So, I’m not looking to waste my energy knocking him out. I think it will be a competitive fight the first few rounds, followed by me taking over the last four and torturing him for a decision win. If I clip him along the way that’s great, but I’m not chasing it.”

Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), understands the implications of this fight regarding his immediate future.

“This is just another day at the gym, another win under my belt,” the 33-year-old Baptiste said. “It can change the outcome of my career, what will come out of it in the end. I’ve been doing everything right. In my life. I’ve sacrificed and I’m in great health. It’s my time!

“I know my opponent is tough. I didn’t watch him fight on the cards we were both on. I heard he presses to get the action started. We’ll see what August 6^th brings. I’ll know what adjustments are needed to make to capitalize on his weaknesses once we’re in the ring. I’m not going to rush to put pressure on him for a quick knockout. I’ll do what I have to do to win,”

“This is a great local matchup that will provide non-stop action,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “Both guys have contrasting styles, and both are in a crossroads situation. The winner of this will be on a major undercard by year’s end, the other will have to rebuild locally for a bit. I am proud of both guys for stepping up and taking this fight.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr., fighting out of nearby Holbrook (MA), takes on Argentinian junior welterweight Jonathan “Yoni” Ariel Sosa (7-13-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

There’s another Massachusetts title fight on tap as Raphael Torres (2-0, 2 KOs), of Framingham (MA), and Fall River’s (MA) Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs) battle for the vacant Massachusetts Cruiserweight Championship in a 6-round bout.

New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight prospect Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (7-0, 6 KOs), the 2018 New England Golden Gloves runner-up, meets veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-50-2, 9 KOs) a 6-rounder.

Promising Brockton (MA) welterweight David “The Blessed One” Ribeiro (1-0, 1 KO) meets 71-fight veteran DeWayne Wisdom in a 4-round match. The 25-year-old Ribeiro was a decorated amateur who captured a gold medal at the 2020 New England Golden Gloves Championships.

Also slated to fight in a 4-round bout is Methuen (MA) junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (2-0, 2 KOs).

Card subject to change.

FightBookMMA

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.