By Rick Scharmberg

Former world title challenger “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (30-8-1, 14 KOs) returns to the ring to face Ezequiel Fernandez (28-3-1, 3 KOs) in the 8-round welterweight main event this Saturday night at the Hockessin PAL Center in Hockessin, Delaware. The card, LEAP YEAR “A Blast from the Past”, carries an old fashioned prize fight theme, with the winner of the main event to receive a cash bonus right after his hand is raised. The big 9-bout card is being promoted by Dee Lee Promotions, with Nick Tiberi doing the matchmaking.

Hank Lundy is a tough, slick veteran from Philadelphia, who has been in with some of the best fighters in his division, which includes an unsuccessful world title try against Pound-for-Pound entrant Terence “Bud” Crawford in 2016. He owns a victory over former champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, as well as suffering close decision losses to former champions Ray Beltran and Viktor Postol.

“The goal is to get him another shot at a world title,” stated matchmaker Nick Tiberi. “The division is wide open right now, and a win will open up some opportunities.”

Promoter Diane Fischer added, “Hank told me that this is the first time he doesn’t have to worry about anything but training. He is very focused.”

This fight will be Lundy’s second straight at the PAL Center.

The co-main event will pit Nicolas Hernandez (10-4-2, 2 KOs) against Michael Crain (3-4, 1 KO) in a 6-round super welterweight bout. Once again, Crain will be facing a more experianced opponent, but will be fighting on his home turf for this one.

Popular local fighter David “One-Two” Murray (9-2-1, 6 KOs) will face Austin Marcum (11-11-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight contest.

Up and comer Shinard Bunch (7-1, 6 KOs) takes on Ronnie Jordan (5-9-1) in a welterweight bout.

Well-traveled veteran Dhafir “No Fear” Smith (27-25-7, 4 KOs) returns after 5+ years of inactivity to face Greg “Hotshot” Hackett (3-19-1) in a light heavyweight match. Smith owns a decision win over former world champion Jeff Lacy back in 2010.

Former world title challenger Schmelle “The Real Deal” Baldwin (3-1-1, 2 KOs) makes her return against Sarah Rueda (0-1) in a super welterweight bout. Schmelle stepped up to challenge Alicia Napoleon Espinosa for the World Female Super Welterweight title in her last bout, but came up short.

Big punching Maurice “The War Time” Horne (5-0, 4 KOs) takes on Antwaun Taylor (5-13, 2 KOs) in a heavyweight bout.

Tahmir Smalls (1-0, 1 KO) will face Kaywann Sistrunk (0-4-1) in a welterweight bout.

Jessi Hackett (1-2, 1 KO) takes on debuting Brima Kamara in another welterweight bout to round out the card.

Tickets are priced at $55 for General Admission and $70 for Ringside, and can be purchased by calling 609-868-4243 or 302-540-7203.

Doors open at 6PM with the first bout starting at 7PM.