A landmark boxing event is set to take place in Rockford, marking the city's debut as a World Boxing Association (WBA) sanctioned venue. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Hard Rock Casino Rockford will host a series of championship bouts, with the highlight being the vacant WBA Continental Championship match between heavyweight contenders Deontae Pettigrew and Richard Lartey. This event signifies a significant step for both fighters and showcases Rockford's ambition to establish itself as a recurring hub for professional boxing. The occasion not only honors the city's storied boxing legacy but also introduces new talent into the professional circuit.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford is poised to become a central stage for world-class boxing matches. The upcoming event features Deontae Pettigrew, known as "Tank," who aims to propel himself toward a world title by defeating Ghanaian contender Richard Lartey. Organized by Hitz Boxing alongside Hard Rock Casino, this marks the first WBA-sanctioned event in Rockford. Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, envisions this as the beginning of an annual series, emphasizing the potential for growth within the local sports scene.

Bobby Hitz, a retired boxer turned promoter, expressed excitement about reviving Rockford's boxing tradition. Highlighting notable figures such as Olympic bronze medalist Kenny Gould and Pat "The Cat" Coleman, Hitz underscores the importance of nurturing amateur talent through clubs like the Rockford Patriots Boxing Club. With approximately 1,600 fans expected to fill Hard Rock Live, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying evening. Rick Ramos, managing several up-and-coming boxers, echoes this sentiment, hoping to cultivate ongoing partnerships that could bring multiple events annually.

The absence of betting due to no odds-makers does not diminish the spectacle, with fighters eagerly anticipating enthusiastic crowds. Among them is Jonathan Cruz, making his professional debut after training under Chicago Golden Gloves Champion credentials. Meanwhile, Pettigrew faces a formidable challenge in Lartey, described as a 'monster' by Hitz, adding tension to their rivalry stemming from previous encounters. Despite acknowledging Lartey's danger, Pettigrew remains confident, promising an exhilarating ten-round showdown.

As the curtain rises on this historic night, all eyes are on Rockford, where tradition meets innovation in the world of boxing. The implications extend beyond individual victories; they represent a broader vision of establishing Rockford as a premier destination for elite sporting events. With each punch thrown inside the ring, the city takes another stride forward in its journey towards becoming synonymous with excellence in professional boxing.