The opportunity for three boxers to avenge their losses in front of the home crowd last year has finally arrived.

Each of these boxers -- Kelly Cordes, Craig Bernier and Derek Sierra -- will be able to show how they have changed, learned and matured. The matches begin at 8:30 tomorrow night in White Building.

Cordes is boxing Lock Haven's Dave McHamer. During last year's Northeast regional, Cordes was in control of the fight when McHamer knocked him out. As a result, Cordes failed to repeat as an All-American.

"This is something I've been waiting for since March when he knocked me out," Cordes said. "This is probably the biggest match of my life."

Getting knocked out when he was so far ahead in points has influenced Cordes' training and attitude toward the match. He's increased his power, become more aggressive and added muscle.

"I'm sure he's going to come right at me but I'm not going to back down from him," Cordes said. "I plan on throwing a lot of punches and it should be a very exciting bout to watch.

"To tell you the truth, I really doubt if it will last three rounds," he added.

McHamer is a natural 125-pound fighter, but he is moving up to 132 to fight Cordes. Both fighters said the weight will not affect the outcome of the fight.

Bernier, at 165, has the dubious honor of fighting national champion Manny Rose of Lock Haven. Rose has only lost once in his career, in the national championship two years ago.

At last year's home show, Bernier lost a decision when he fought passively and unaggressively. He covered up to avoid a knock out.

"This time I want to win," Bernier said. "Forget about worrying not to get knocked out."

The altered approach to the fight means Bernier will undoubtedly take some good shots from the opponent he called the "Mike Tyson" of college boxing. Rose has knocked out 16 opponents in 19 fights.

The third rematch features Derek Sierra fighting Mike Campusano of Central Connecticut at 172.

"I played around a lot last year in the ring; I was showing off a lot last year," Sierra said. "I just wasn't out there and I didn't go to business."

This year, despite being quick and rangy, Sierra has changed his boxing style. To avoid showboating he is fighting more on the inside, Coach Craig Harpster said.

"If he tries to stay in tight with Campusano, I think Campusano is much stronger and that will be a problem," Harpster said.

Three other matches feature Penn State boxers.

Two-time All-American Matt Osborne will fight Jack Casio of Central Connecticut at 180. Osborne is working his way back into shape after taking the fall off.

At 172, John Dixon may fight Dwayne Bryant of Lock Haven, if complications from a possibly broken nose are resolved. Dixon has not been checked by a doctor. Jack Ross will fight Al McKinnon of Virginia Military Academy at 132.

Scheduling problems have idled three other boxers. No match could be arranged for Sterlen Barr. Jim Veverka's bout was canceled when his opponent flunked out of school and Tom McGrogan's match was canceled when his opponent had recurring headaches.

"I kind of fell down on the floor and quivered a little bit," McGrogan said of when he received the news. "I was like 'Oh Man' but there was nothing I could do."