LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDERS Logan Cotton- McGuiness, left, and Buzz Grant square off for the camera during a pre-fight press conference in Orangeville. The hometown fighters will step into the ring to challenge for the vacant NABA lightweight title. Photo/BRIAN LOCKHART It’s being promoted as Undisputed Rivals. One ring, two hometown boxers, ten rounds, and one undisputed lightweight champion.

There was a lot of hype and tough talk at a media and fan event held at Boston Pizza in Orangeville on August 25, leading up to the North America Boxing Association title fight between Logan Cotton- McGuinness and Buzz Grant.

Amid rumors that the match had become a personal rivalry between the two fighters, each was given the opportunity to say a few words to the large crowd that turned out.

“There’s been lot of talk,” Cotton- McGuiness said, to cheers and jeers from an animated group of fight fans. “But the talk is over and you’re next.” He said to Grant.

Grant responded by thanking the fans for coming out, saying they will see the results when the fight is over.

But after the media segment ended the two boxers mingled with the crowd and signed autographs while taking time to talk to some younger fans who showed up with hopes of meeting the local boxers who images appeared larger than life on the promotion posters.

Individually, they are gentlemen - professionals focused on doing their job when the first bell rings to start the fight.

“I feel more than ready, I wish the fight was sooner,” Cotton- McGuinness said. “Chris (Johnson, his trainer) brought in great sparring guys that move, because Buzz, typically he’s a mover in his fights. I feel like I’m ready for a ten round fight right now.”

When asked about the grudge match rumors, he said it only adds “fuel to my fire. But come that fight I’ll be focused. I’ll do my job, and I’ll do what I do every time I go in the ring.”

Cotton-McGuiness is going to the ring with a 11-0-1 professional record including five knockouts.

Grant will put on the gloves with a 9-3-0 pro record including four KO’s.

“I feel great about the fight,” Grant said. “I’m just really happy that Orangeville can create two top lightweights in North America. That shows the support this town has.” 

The two fighters have known each other for several years, and have been in the ring sparring in the past.

“I’ve seen Logan fight. My style’s going to give him a lot of problems.” He says, adding, “I know his style, he knows my style, we basically both know what to expect. Both our coaches are going to have a game plan put together. It’ll be who can accomplish the game plan better is going to win. I don‘t have bad feelings for any of my opponents, I just go in there and do my job.”

The title fight event is expected to draw around 5000 fans to the Mississauga, Ontario arena.

Also on the card are two more Orangeville boxers.

Ryan “Nightmare” Wagner will defend his 2-0 record in his third pro bout going up against another undefeated welterweight - Samuel Vargas from Mississauga who has a 4-0 pro record.

And Orangeville’s "Silent” Steve Franjic will make his professional debut in a lightheavyweight bout against an as yet, unnamed opponent.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 25, at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga.