Nick Casal Inks With Greg Cohen Promotions, Eyes '16 Return

By Jake Donovan

Inactive since 2011 and literally left for dead at one point, Nick Casal hopes to breathe new life into his boxing career.

The hard-hitting super lightweight from the upstate New York region of Niagara Falls plans to return to the ring during the first half of 2016. Such a move has been more than three years in the making, only for the right opportunity to never come along.

A clearer picture is now in place, as Casal (22-4-1, 17KOs) recently signed a promotional pact with Greg Cohen Promotions, a move that figures to keep him active as well as on TV.

“Nick’s had a bunch fall through since he was last in the ring, but we are now in position to move forward with his career,” Matt Yanofsky, Casal’s adviser informed BoxingScene.com. “Nick has always been known for making exciting fights. The fact that Greg has a good relationship with the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls – Nick’s hometown – is a major plus in addition to his ability to get him on TV.”

Casal was once a red-hot prospect before his career quickly hit gatekeeper status, following a rough patch where he suffered all four career losses in a seven-fight stretch spanning just over two years. He rebounded to win four straight, including a 3rd round stoppage of previously unbeaten Michael Anderson in Oct. ’11, his last fight to date.

On deck was a planned June ’12 showdown with Ruslan Provodnikov, which was to headline on ESPN2 as part of the now-defunct Friday Night Fights series. The bout was scrapped when Casa was forced to fight for his life following a violent attack the previous May.

Casal met with his ex-girlfriend at the home of her ex-boyfriend, Michael Vicki in the early hours of May 12, 2012. Shortly after leaving the premise with his ex-girlfriend, Casal was attacked and beaten by Vicki to the point of requiring hundreds of stitches and numerous staples while hospitalized after being bludgeoned with a long object (conflicting reports suggest either a golf club or crowbar).

Vicki was sentenced in April ’13 to five years in prison, having pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first-degree assault. He previously pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault, but agreed to a lesser charge all the while contending that he was attacked and defending himself.

Meanwhile, Casal’s career has yet to get back on the ground although there remains hope for better days to come in 2016 for 30-year old fan-friendly boxer.

“We are very pleased that Greg Cohen Promotions has officially signed Nick Casal and look forward to his realizing his full potential as a world class fighter,” Cohen told BoxingScene.com. “Given GCP’s affinity for working with Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, it was a natural fit for us to welcome Nick to the family being that he lives and trains in Niagara Falls.”

A specific time frame has yet to be offered for Casal’s official return. Given his alliance with Cohen, there stands a chance that it will take place in his hometown and as part of an ongoing time-buy series the promoter currently has with CBS Sports Network. The latest installment comes this Friday in Sloan, Iowa, with future dates expected to run regularly throughout 2016.

“We expect to keep Nick very busy and look forward to featuring his talents in meaningful fights in the very near future,” Cohen said.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox