“Big Chief” hits the ring looking for win No. 10

By Bill Hughes

Published: Saturday, July 13, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated 16 hours ago

Charleroi resident Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch will look to run his professional boxing record to 10-0 tonight when he fights at the The Harv at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in Chester, W.Va.

Fitch is taking on Billy Bailey (12-16, 4 KO) of Bakersfield, Calif., as part of a card being promoted by eight-time world champion Roy Jones Jr.

Fitch is not only pumped up, but he knows what fight fans are in for.

“Fans can expect a good boxing match,” Fitch said of his bout. “(Bailey) has a lot of experience and is a tough guy.

“He will be ready to fight.”

Fitch, with four knockouts on his resume, will be fighting for the third time since a sparring injury while working out with Jones Jr.

In his most recent fight on March 23, Fitch returned home to his native Louisiana where he won a unanimous six-round decision over William Waters (2-2).

But as far as Bailey, Fitch knows what he has to do to get the job done.

“I have the skills and really need to step my game up,” the super middleweight said. “I want to go out there and put on a boxing clinic and do what I have to do.”

Fitch has lived in Charleroi since 2005, and part of his motivation was moving from Louisiana.

“I moved 20 hours from Louisiana for (boxing),” he said. “I have to showcase myself and to impress people.”

Bailey won seven of his first eight professional bouts before dropping 13 of his last 16.

This will be Fitch's third bout at Mountaineer, with the first two ending with knockout wins.

On April 28, 2012, Fitch knocked out the then-undefeated Roman Barber at 2:27 of the first round and he knocked out Cameron Allen this past December 1 at 2:26 of the second round.

The headline bout at “The Harv” is Wilkens “The Hispanic Hurricano” taking on Gilbert “Gordo” Venegas.

Other announced fights include Nick Firtha taking on Gabe Brown, Billy Hutchinson versus Angel Rios, and Joey Holt facing Dustin Caplinger with other bouts expected to take place.

First bell is 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in person, at 1-800-804-0468, or online at www.moreatmountaineer.com.

Bill Hughes is a freelance writer.

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