The 2015 Wray & Nephew Contender Boxing Series returns to the Chinese Benevolent Association Auditorium tonight after as short break with Devon Moncriffe and Kemahl Russell contesting the first of two semi-finals.

Semi-final night fights will be contested over eight rounds that will headline three-card fights, scheduled to begin at approximately 9:45 pm with the first bell at 8:30 pm.

Moncriffe defeated Derick Richmond and Russell conquered Kevin Hylton at the quarter-final stage to secure places in the semi-final round.

Tonight’s bout was scheduled to be the second semi-final fight of the Contender Series. The fight, was however, postponed to a later date after fighter Tsetsi Davis sustained a shoulder injury during a training session that rendered him unfit to face Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes a few days before the fight. This fight will now take place on July 1.

Interestingly, both these fights could be viewed as grudge matches by way of two capable younger generation of fighters going up against two older, but equally capable, opponents.

Older or younger, this does not bother Moncriffe one bit.

“We are in the ring for one sole purpose: to fight. And this we must do to the best of our (individual) abilities to come out victorious. And for this I never underestimate an opponent. Both of us are in the ring for the same purpose (and that is) to win. Everybody wants to win,” Moncriffe pointed out.

Moncriffe, 38, winner of the title two seasons ago by out pointing Tsetsi Davis over 10 rounds in the Contender final and pocketed $2,000,000 and the title of Jamaica Ultimate Middleweight Contender in the process, was asked how he felt going up against the younger Russell, who is 25 years old.

“I feel good. My training went well and I am in the best shape all season for this fight. I have to be. I never get an easy fight, but will do my best to get the best result,” he promised.

Moncriffe, who stands at 5’6” with a ring record of 11 wins against three losses from 14 fights, said that he is expected to tip the scales at around 159 lbs on fight night.

Following his victory in the quarter-finals, Russell, who in some circles, is tipped to go as far as winning the Contender Series, said he was looking forward to doing well in the semi-final match.

Russell has an impeccable amateur record of 21 fights undefeated and is also three and no loss in his short professional career. He stands at 5′ 11″ tall.

Russell

RUSSELL… in search of his first Contender final

Concrete 2

MONCRIFFE.. hardened campaigner

Russell/Hylton

Kemahl Russell (left) in an earlier bout against Kevin Hylton.

Concrete

Deveon ‘Concrete’ Moncriffe throws a punch in a previous bout.

(PHOTOS: HURBUN WILLIAMS)