KINGSTON, R.I. – Wednesday, January 12, 2011 – Former University of Rhode Island football player Vladine Biosse has made a name for himself since entering the professional boxing ranks in 2009.
After winning all four of his bouts in 2010 – including an eight-round decision over “Irish” Joey McCreedy in front of 42 million viewers on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights on July 9, Biosse was tabbed by www.8countnews.com as New England’s 2010 Prospect of the Year, the boxing website announced earlier this week.
Despite less than two years as a professional, Biosse has proved himself in the ring. His victory over McCreedy earned him the New England Super Middleweight and the EBA Super Middleweight championships, and he has successfully defended his belts twice already. With a 9-0 record and four knockouts to his credit, Biosse has made waves in the boxing world since signing with Classic Entertainment and Sports Boxing.
“No fighter brought more to the table in 2010 than Vladine Biosse,” said his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield said. “Since we signed him nearly two years ago, Vladine has grown into one of the most well-rounded fighters in the super middleweight division. His athleticism is what sets him apart from other up-and-comers in this sport.”
A native of Cape Verde, Biosse grew up wanting to be a professional soccer player like his father, Victor, a star in their homeland. Vladine Biosse moved to the United States when he was 14. Despite not being able to speak English at the time, he did well enough in school to go to college to play football. Before his junior year, he transferred to URI, where he played defensive back and wide receiver.
Not many professional boxers have their college degree. Of course, not many boxers begin their professional career after turning 26 years old, either.
Despite this, Biosse is now headlining New England boxing events as he moves up the ladder. His next fight – against veteran Samson Onyango of Nairobi, Kenya – will be part of the main event of CES Boxing’s ‘Block Party’ fight card at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
“Vladine conquered every obstacle in his path last year, and exceeded even our own expectations,” Burchfield said. “He’s set the bar incredibly high, and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop into a legitimate, world-title challenger in 2011.”
PHOTO – Former URI football player Vladine Biosse (middle) is presented with the New England Super Middleweight championship belt by his manager Quint Dow Sr. and Classic Entertainment Sports Boxing Director of Fighter Development Rich Cappiello on Dec. 2 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln.