Why 'Detroit Brawl' could be a step to raising boxing's prominence in metro Detroit

Detroit boxer Rydell Booker couldn't answer the call; he was busy in the gym.

But once he was in a car on his way to another gym, he had a few minutes to talk about the boxing event scheduled for Thursday in Dearborn: The "Detroit Brawl," with Booker fighting in the main event at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

This was all before making his final stop at another facility for a third workout.

"The first workout, I sparred and did some bag work," the 41-year-old said. "Now, I'm on the way to do my strength and conditioning work. The last one, I'm going to go for a run and do some freestyle weightlifting, so we're putting in the work for this.

"It’s always good to have boxing in Detroit because we have a big history of it. I love to fight at home in front of my family and friends."