PRO BOXING: Falls' Ventry still going strong

Sports

Related Photos

Niagara Falls' James Ventry DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH

Discussion

June 20, 2009

By NATE BEUTEL The Journal-Register Sat Jun 20, 2009, 10:34 PM EDT

The last time most area boxing fans saw James Ventry, the Cataract City lightweight was slumped over nursing sore ribs after a loss to Jamar Saunders at the Seneca Niagara Casino back in November.

That wasn’t the picture Ventry wanted people to remember him by, though. So, the 37-year old went back to work in the gym and has since split a pair of bouts heading into this week’s showdown with unbeaten Rod Salka at the I.C. Light Amphitheater in Pittsburgh.

“I love boxing so much and I pride myself on being a tough fighter, so that just wasn’t a way to go out,” Ventry said this past week after sparring with fellow Falls boxer Nick Casal.

“I think I’ve still got something to offer. I’m going to keep plugging along and hope that more opportunities like this one keep coming up.”

Wednesday’s bout will be a big test for Ventry, who only agreed to the fight this past week.

“I was out of the gym for a few weeks, so he might come into the fight in slightly better shape, but I still feel like I’m the better fighter and might be a little more skilled than him,” Ventry said. “Ideally, I’d like to have maybe another week or two to train, but I’ve done some good sparring and I’m confident in myself.”

Win, lose or draw, Ventry already has his next two fights lined up as well. He’s set to have a rematch with Ruben Cuellar at the Tachi Hotel and Casino in California on July 16 and then fight an opponent to be determined at the Playboy Mansion on Sept. 12.

“Right now, I’m looking to build up my number of fights to where I could possibly get the call for a main event,” Ventry said. “And if I could pull the upset, that would improve my ranking and who knows, maybe get me a small title shot.”

Title shot or not, Ventry is enjoying the ride.

“When I fought in Delaware in April, it was so beautiful there and I kept thinking to myself, ‘When else in my life would I ever get to go to places like Dover, Delaware?’” he said. “I’m a lucky guy. I get to travel the country, meet fantastic people and just have some great experiences. It’s all worth it.”

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.

Text Only

Sports

Lyndonville, Medina earn weekend wins

Avenging an earlier season two point (35-33) loss, Lyndonville survived a turnover filled fourth quarter scoring drought to edge past Wheatland-Chili 36-31 Friday in a Genesee Region League game.

February 6, 2012
Eagles blitz Mustangs

Plagued by a costly combination of cold shooting and turnovers, Medina dropped a 78-47 decision to visiting CSAT in a Niagara-Orleans League make-up game Saturday afternoon.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Holley wrestling captures Class BB crown

Placing seven in the finals, Holley captured top team honors at the Section V Class BB championships Saturday at East Rochester.

February 6, 2012
Ken West upsets Wolverines
January 27, 2012
NFLers team up at tournament
January 27, 2012
Schedule favors UB run
January 23, 2012
Briggs, Agbeko help Joe’s thwart Aquinas
January 21, 2012
T-Wolves in a funk, lose second straight
Following one of the more disappointing performances during his tenure at Niagara County Community College, coach Bill Beilein provided some poignant thoughts about his ballclub.

January 21, 2012
Jacks leap past Lew-Port in OT
January 21, 2012
BANK SHOT
Grand Island’s Kallie Banker admittedly doesn’t know much about Viking great Carlin Hartman.
After all it’s been more than 20 years since Hartman finished his illustrious career with 1,518 points, the most by any Vikings basketball player ever.
Until Thursday night.

January 20, 2012 1 Photo
More Sports Headlines

Sports

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

PRO BOXING: Falls' Ventry still going strong

Site Map

Contact Us