Vanasse Works to Defend Local Title

The bell rings signaling the final round of the evening’s championship bout. Heavyweight contender Alex Vanasse exits his corner determined. After a series of rapid-fire exchanges between him and his opponent, a knock-out is scored with Alex emerging the victor and new Putnam County heavyweight boxing champion.

Since his win, Alex “Lightsout” Vanasse, a resident of Carmel, has been training hard to defend his local title. When asked about the personal significance of his title, Vanasse said, “It motivates me. Maintaining it becomes my goal, and I want my hard work and dedication to pay off.”

Vanasse has been training for about four years, and boxing has become an influential factor in Vanasse’s life. “When I put on gloves for the first time, it felt very natural to me,” he said of his beginnings with the sport. “I figured this is something I could see myself doing”.

“If it wasn’t for kids calling me out when I was 17, I probably would have never got in the ring,” Vanasse said. “I probably would be getting into trouble. But boxing definitely kept me out of that.” Wielding a powerful punch, Vanasse recently had a very successful outing in the New York State Golden Gloves, and showed that he is an up and coming force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Another local competitor seeking to defend his title on April 10th, in a main event fight, is Juliano Zanetti of Brewster. Always entertaining to watch, the tenacious Zanetti had been plagued by a few bothersome injuries that had set him back, until recent, from attaining a championship title. “It was frustrating,” lamented Zanetti, “the past two fights I had to withdraw because I couldn’t train since I was hurt.” But redemption finally came in February, when he won two fights in convincing fashion, claiming the 170lb. Thai-boxing championship. “It felt so good to finally get in the ring and get my title back. Now I’m motivated for April 10th; it’s time to defend it.”

Come watch Alex and others defend their titles when eager contenders try to claim the right of local champion, as USA Karate hosts the AKBF NYS Thai-boxing and Jiu-jitsu championships on Saturday, April 10th, at the Patterson Recreation Center located on Front Street in Patterson. This event is an open amateur challenge for all martial art schools within the Tri-State area to test their mettle in the ring and earn championship titles.

Local fighters defending their championships are Alex Vanasse, Juliano Zanetti, Joe Schimdt, Saber Aggoub, and Dave Clarke. Also featured on the fight card will be notable local fighters Mike Kulp, “Big” Angelo Notaro, Chad Triacca, Bobby Lane, Danny Casey, Chris Jones, Stephen Perez, Omar Hassan, Brandon Scalera, and Mike Heinz. These events always draw some of the area’s best MMA fighters, with a minimum of 20 bouts per show, and the last venue entertaining a record of 31 bouts. All events feature amateur boxing, Thaiboxing and Jiu-jitsu matches. Doors open at 6:00 pm, event starts at 7pm.

Promoter of the event, John Carlo, has been organizing shows since 2002, with three mixed martial artists making professional debuts in the UFC who have competed in his amateur events early in their career. Aside from promoting, Carlo is the owner and head-instructor of USA Karate/Mixed Martial Arts Training Academy with locations at the Patterson Recreation Center and the World Gym in Pawling. With 30 years of experience, he trains both amateur and professional MMA fighters, boxers, Thai-boxers, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and full-contact karate fighters. Anyone interested in tickets, training, or competing, contact Carlo at 845-878-4388, or visit the website usakaratepatterson.com. Classes are offered for children ages 3+ and Adults.