MASHANTUCKET, CT – Khiary “King TooSharp” Grey (19-7, 14 KOs) guarantees to show again the clock on Saturday, February 22, when he challenges Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (18-0, 16 KOs) in an all Massachusetts battle for the WBC US Silver Middleweight Championship.
The bout is the principle occasion on CES Boxing’s “Winter Brawl 2025,” a stacked card happening at The Premier Theater inside Foxwoods Resort On line casino and streamed stay on SwerveCombat TV.
‘Winter Brawl 2025’ tickets, priced starting at $82, are going quick. Buy yours now at CES Fights or TicketMaster. Doorways open at 5pm, with the primary bout scheduled for 6pm.
For Grey, the combat is extra than simply one other matchup—it’s a return to a greater time in his life.
“Coaching camp goes properly,” mentioned the 32-year-old at a latest press convention. “I really feel like I’m again to once I first began my profession.”
When Grey turned professional in 2014, he constructed a formidable file of 13-0 with 9 KOs. Khiary was the discuss of the city till a loss to Ian Inexperienced in 2016 appeared to derail his profession.
The fighter has since struggled each out and in of the ring, struggling setbacks and spending time in jail. Having endured these hardships, the Worcester native rededicated himself to boxing alongside his long-time coach Kendrick Ball, Sr. at Camp Get Proper.
“I stayed in form whereas I used to be in jail simply in order that I can come out and win the inexperienced belt,” says Grey of his need to win the celebrated WBC belt. “I’ve been in coaching since November, so whereas this coaching camp has been a sluggish burn, it was what I actually wanted. I really feel like I’m again to once I first began my profession.”
Whereas Waymouth’s Hogan enters the ring with the arrogance of an undefeated file, Grey believes his battles—each inside and outdoors the ring—have cast him into a unique caliber of fighter.
“He’s good, no disrespect to him,” admits Grey, who usually fights at 154 however moved to middleweight for the chance. “He’s a southpaw with a protracted attain. It is a harmful combat, however I fought lefties and I’m undefeated in opposition to them. I’ve fought guys taller than me, and I fought at 160 earlier than.”
When contemplating the keys to victory on combat night time, ‘King TooSharp’ factors to their distinction in expertise and overcoming adversity.
“I’ve been in there with the highest guys,” says Grey, who has shared the ring with the likes of jr. middleweight contender Charles Conwell and present IBF world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. I’ve been in with ‘A’ caliber fighters, so I do know what it takes. While you take a look at his file, he ought to have gotten his final 3 opponents out of there sooner or he shouldn’t have taken these fights. He ought to have fought guys with extra expertise.”
Except for their variations within the ring, this combat appears a bit extra private for Grey. The veteran has taken exception to Hogan’s metaphor that he’ll be like a twister ripping via Grey’s trailer park on combat night time.
“I really feel prefer it was form of disrespectful about the place I’m from,” confesses Grey. “I’ve been within the slums. I’ve been locked up in jail. He hasn’t been via what I’ve been via.”
The remark has sparked the hearth in Grey that when made him one of the thrilling and promising prospects in boxing.
“This Saturday, you possibly can anticipate the previous Khiary Grey from once I began my profession at 13-0,” says Grey. “I’m outboxing him, knocking him out, and taking that title again to Worcester.”
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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