Eric Ramsey-Wright of Vancouver will take on Jason Lambert of Pendleton, Ore., on Saturday in the main event of a mixed martial arts show at the Clark County Event Center.
The show begins at 7 p.m. and features seven professional fights and six amateur bouts. Tickets cost $40 on the floor and $30 in the stands.
This 170-pound battle will be the second professional fight for Ramsey-Wright, who won his professional debut in February at the Emerald Queen Casino. As an amateur, Ramsey-Wright was 16-2 with 13 knockouts.
A 2008 Skyview High School graduate, Ramsey-Wright placed eighth at 189 pounds as a senior wrestler for the Storm.
Ramsey-Wright, 23, said it means a lot to be fighting in the main event at a local show in only his second fight as a professional. He said he doesn’t know a lot about Lambert, but is focusing on his own approach.
Explosiveness and speed are big reasons for his success so far, Ramsey-Wright said.
“We’re pretty excited. Eric has so much potential,” said Joe Flores, who coaches Ramsey-Wright at his Vancouver gym. “He has always had the knockout power, but seeing him evolve as an athlete and as an individual is rewarding.”
Other local fighters scheduled to compete include four who train at Fisticuffs Gym in Vancouver. Jason Novelli will take on Cole Milani in one of the professional fights. Mo Abed will battle Cameron Kirby in an amateur 155-pound bout. Bryan Descloux will fight David McManis in a 145-pound amateur match. And Stephen Chang will take on Zach Casterline in another amateur bout.
Chris de la Rocha, who trains at Progressive Jiu Jitsu in Vancouver, will battle Matt Howell in a professional fight.
Also this weekend:
Pickleball tournament — The Columbia River Pickleball Club is hosting the Pickle Barrel Classic on Saturday and Sunday at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver. There are 160 registered players for competition in singles and doubles for all skill levels. Players from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Arizona are expected to compete.
Rugby clinic — Justin Fitzpatrick, a former Irish national player and current International Rugby Board educator, will lead a clinic about coaching scrums from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at West Linn (Ore.) High School. The course is open to coaches of all age groups rugby teams based in Southwest Washington and Oregon. To learn more, visit www.rugbyoregon.com.
