In a classic match-up of boxer vs. puncher, two  talented, undefeated Philadelphia heavyweights have agreed to move up into the spotlight and put their perfect records on the line this coming Saturday, January 21st  at Philadelphia's legendary Asylum Arena on the inaugural broadcast of the NBC Sports Network's "Fight Night" boxing series. Coverage on the NBC Sports Network begins Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.

 

The spectacular cross-town match-up of equally talented rivals will pit Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm and Bryant "Bye Bye" Jennings in the ten-round co-main event.  Byarm and Jennings will risk their undefeated records and their neighborhood pride as each takes on the role of a real life "Rocky"  and steps into the ring on short notice.  The originally scheduled main event, featuring heavyweights Eddie Chambers and Sergei Liakhovich, was scrapped  when Chambers revealed on Friday that he had suffered two broken ribs in training.

 

"This series is about giving the fans exciting, action-packed fights where the outcome is in doubt," said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events.  "It is truly a shame that Chambers and Liakhovich cannot fight on Saturday, but athletes get injured.  We tried all weekend to find a suitable replacement to face Liakhovich, but truly competitive opposition could not be found on such short notice.  Last night we decided that it would be in the best interests of the fans and the series to go in another direction and present a fight that will live up to the standards that we have set for this project.  We are thrilled to have come up with such a compelling bout.  The fans in Philadelphia and those watching on TV will have plenty to cheer about on Saturday night."

 

In addition, the televised card also will feature a battle between two exciting young undefeated light heavyweight prospects, Damar Singleton and Sullivan Barrera.

 

"I often hear people say that there are no American Heavyweights,"  said Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing, matchmaker for the NBC Sports Network "Fight Night" Series.  "We are presenting a terrific fight on Saturday night at the Asylum between two promising American heavyweights who are willing to test themselves sooner rather than later."

 

The prototypical Philly fighter, Jennings is a boxer-puncher who rarely misses a day at the gym.  A mechanic at the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia, Jennings was an all-around athlete who played football and basketball, ran the 200 meters and participated in the shot put at Ben Franklin High.  The 27-year old father of 4-year old Mason played basketball at North Philly recreation centers for years before he decided to try boxing. In 2009, he reached the finals of the PAL Nationals and the US Golden Gloves Tournament.  In his most recent outing in November, Jennings (11-0, 5 KO's) KO'd Kevin Franklin in just one round.