Golden Boy East at the Borgata in Atlantic City

It was a night of the knockout as Golden Boy East, Peltz Boxing Promotions and HBO Latino collaborated to put on a good show in Atlantic City New Jersey. Kassim Ouma punched his way towards a rematch for the Light Heavyweight Title and Philly fighters Rock Allen, Demetrius Hopkins and Phillip McCants all put on impressive displays of their talent. Tonight proved that the Golden Boy East roster is one of the better stables of young talent in the business.


Junior Middleweight
Kassim Ouma (21-2-1 13ko’s) vs. Alfredo Cuevas (25-7-1 17ko’s)
Kampala, UG Chicago, IL

In his first bout since losing the IBF Light Middleweight Title, Kassim Ouma stepped into the ring with something to prove. He wasted no time disposing Alfredo Cuevas, who until tonight, has never been knocked down in 33 professional fights which earned him recognition as one of the toughest men in the sport.

Round 1 – Ouma comes out blazing against Cuevas who shows he is willing to bang. It doesn’t take long before Ouma catches his opponent with a blistering left which sends Cuevas skidding across the canvas. Cuevas beats the 10 count but continues to eat the lightening fast left of Ouma over and over again. As round 1 nears the end, Ouma keeps firing the left and follows up with a straight right with puts Cuevas on his back once again. Cuevas gets to his feet and wisely avoids any more action until the bell sounds.

Round 2 – Cuevas comes out of the corner wobbly and Ouma takes full advantage, scoring with a big left right combo to the head. Cuevas goes into survival mode but Ouma reacts by going to the right jab which his lands with ease. Ouma starts to work the body then follows his work downstairs with big rights which seem to land flush every time. It is obvious that the speed and power of Ouma are too much for Cuevas to handle.

Round 3 – The round starts with both fighters toe to toe in the middle of the ring throwing jabs. This quickly breaks down into a slugfest that Ouma clearly gets the best of. Cuevas facial expression says he wants to run out of the building but to his credit he hangs in there and absorbs more punishment. Ouma’s aggressive style wins the crowd over as they begin to roar every time he lands a hard shot.

Round 4 – Ouma comes out with a popping left and he looks like he is setting up for the kill. Cuevas fires back with a big right which seems to get the attention of Ouma. Ouma shakes it off and unloads his entire arsenal on Cuevas, beating him around the ring until Cuevas hits the floor for the 3rd time in the fight. Cuevas beats the count and throws wildly but Ouma’s speed won’t allow him to be hit. Cuevas leaves himself wide open and Ouma unleashes another flurry of rights and lefts to the head and body. The fight ends with Ouma scoring a final knockdown after administering another viscous beating along the ropes as the bell sounds.

Cuevas corner calls for the fight to be stopped after Round 4 ends.

Kassim Ouma improves to 22 -2 -1 14 ko’s
Alfredo Cuevas falls to 25 -8 -1 17ko’s










Welterweight
Demetrius Hopkins (20-0-1 7ko’s) vs. Ernesto Zepeda (37-8-4 32ko’s)
Philadelphia, PA Tijuana, MX

The heir apparent Demetrius Hopkins faces the first real test of his professional career tonight going against Mexico’s Ernesto Zepeda, whose resume includes 32 knockouts. Hopkins was up to the challenge going 9 hard rounds and scoring a knockout against the wily veteran. At times D-Hop looked great, others he looked tired. Overall it was a solid performance against a game challenger and we should be seeing more of him soon.



Round 1 starts off slow as both fighters seem to be feeling each other out. A jab here, body shot there, lots of dancing and holding. The crowd boos as round 1 comes to a close.

Round 2 – Hopkins picks up the action throwing a few left jabs which set up a nice right. Zepeda is trying to establish himself inside and lands a clean left uppercut of his own. Hopkins sticks with the left the entire round landing a hook to the head and jabs followed by an overhand right.

Round 3 – Hopkins sticks to what works, and for the first half of the round he landed his left with ease. Zepeda tries to exchange but comes up with air. The action finally picks up as both fighters trade hard shots. Hopkins continues to throw landing 7 straight power shots which rock Zepeda. The bell sounds saving Zepeda from certain knockdown.

Round 4 – Zepeda stalks Hopkins who does not immediately try to build on the work he put in round 3. Both fighter trade jabs until Hopkins connects with a left – right combo to the head. Hopkins lands a second big left to the head, then goes on to land hard left handed body shots. Zepeda regroups, bringing the action along the ropes where he unloads a flurry of rights and lefts which seem to have D-Hop in trouble. Hopkins comes back with the left which keeps Zepeda honest until the end of the round.

Round 5 – Zepeda starts off as the aggressor and Hopkins seems unwilling to trade. Zepeda once again follows Hopkins around the ring, finally tying him up and slipping in uppercuts which find the mark. Zepeda follows up with a nice left & right to the face and then fires off hard body shots which seem to affect Hopkins. Both fighter’s trade face shots and Hopkins follows up with hard left followed by a punishing right which busts Zepeda’s eye open. The blood is trickling but Zepeda pays that no mind as he goes to work on the face and body of Hopkins which seals the round for him.

Round 6 – The round starts with both fighters greeting each other in the middle of the ring with a nice exchange. Hopkins left is still effective. The action gets even better as both fighters slug it out along ropes and all four corners of the ring. Zepeda hits a big right which looks like it takes the wind out of Hopkins sails. The round ends with both fighters trading lefts.

Round 7 – In round 6 Hopkins looked tired but in round 7 he looks strong. Hopkins left hook is still his weapon of choice and Zepeda’s face is the primary target. Zepeda sucks it up and the fighters bang it out in the center of the ring. Hopkins gets the best of the round with a hard right followed by 2 big uppercuts.

Round 8 - Action dies down as Hopkins uses the left jab. Zepeda tries to use bull rush tactics along the ropes but Hopkins left still finds the mark.

Round 9 – Zepeda comes out trying to reestablish himself inside but this time Hopkins uses his speed to avoid any real contact. Hopkins finds an opening and fires off 5 consecutive power shots followed by a right uppercut which set up a straight left which put the gritty Mexican on his back hearing nothing but the ref shouting diez.



Bernard Hopkins grabbed the ring mic and guaranteed a knockout in the rematch against Jermain Taylor.


Welterweight
Rock Allen (2-0 2ko’s) vs. Candelario Herrera (3-3-2 2ko’s)
Philadelphia, PA La Victoria, MX


Former Olympian Rock Allen was very impressive as he beat the snot out of Candelario Herrera who we were seeing for the first, and probably the last time in the United States. Allen thoroughly outclassed his Mexican rival and showed why many in the Philadelphia circuit think he is destined to be a world champion.

Round 1 – Allen wastes no time initiating the acting, throwing and landing crisp left jabs which seem to pack loads of power behind it. Allen then fires off a sharp right which finds Herrera’s chin. Allen works the left jab some more. Herrera tries to exchange but comes up empty due to Allen’s excellent footwork. Allen finished the round he controlled with a hard combination to Herrera’s face.

Round 2 – Allen initiates the action again, this time showing off his power. He quickly lands a big left, followed by a big right which leaves Herrera in a daze. Allen then goes to the body, digging into his opponent’s ribs which set up more hard power punches to Herrera’s head. Allen continues to fire off shots which land at an alarming rate which leaves Herrera’s corner no option but to throw in the towel at 2:15 in the second frame.











Light Heavyweight
Alfred Kinsey (4-2-1 2ko’s) vs. Victor Paz (9-1-0 1ko)
Atlantic City, NJ Bronx, NY

Alfred Kinsey gave the hometown crowd something to cheer about as came out victorious in a hard fought battle against NY brawler Victor Paz. The action was back and forth most of the bout and it looked like Paz was going to take it early but Kinsey hung in there and in the 4th, administered a beating Paz won’t soon forget.

Round 1 – Action starts off slow until Kinsey reels off 4 punches to the body. Action dies down again as both fighters get in a few shots a piece but nothing major lands.

Round 2 – Paz starts off strong by taking the action to the ropes where he throws hard punches to the body. Kinsey is willing to slug it out lands solid head shots. Kinsey then works the body of Paz. Kinsey works the body and finished with head shots. Paz responds with body and head shots of his own. The action goes back and forth until the bell sounds.

Round 3 – Kinsey hits with a stiff right, Paz flurries in return. Paz lands a clean left hook but Kinsey continues to swing hard which leads to a bang in the middle of the ring. Kinsey gets the best due to his left jab to the head & right hook to the body. Paz throws the left – right combo which proves to be effective. Kinsey swings out of the ropes lands a stiff right. Paz hits a left right left uppercut which stuns Kinsey along the ropes. Another stiff exchange ensues. Paz working the left, Kinsey & Paz exchange hard lefts. Paz lands a big right which is countered by Kinsey at the end of the round.

Round 4 – Hard body shots to start round by both fighters. Kinsey lands a right followed by a perfectly placed left which sends Paz crashing to the canvas. Paz rises to his feet but Kinsey goes got the kill, throwing bombs and connecting, leaving Paz wobbly. Paz fires back with 2 rights and goes to the body. Kinsey throws hard on the ropes, landing a big right which sends Paz mouthpiece flying. Kinsey has Paz where he wants him and is unloading but the ref breaks it up to put the mouth piece back. Kinsey smokes Paz with a right followed by hard body shots. Paz ties up but Kinsey powers out taking the action to the corner and rocks the jaw of Paz which sends the mouthpiece out again. Paz was taking a hell of a beating until the ref stops action again for the mouthpiece. After the delay, Kinsey works the body followed by a big right to the chin which leaves Paz on his back, seeing stars and not getting up for any more action.

Winner Alfred Kinsey TKO




Middleweight
Phillip McCants (4-1 3ko’s) vs. Sheldon Rudolph (3-2 2ko’s)
Philadelphia, PA Paterson. NJ

Round 1 – McCants comes out throwing the left upstairs, and Rudolph looks like he wants to work the body. Rudolph throws a few uppercuts which land. McCants goes to work in the corner landing hard body shots but is the recipient of another big uppercut.

Round 2 – Rudolph starts the round wrestling as McCants tries to gain a presence inside. Both fighters start to swing wildly. McCants goes back inside and Rudolph again lands the uppercuts. Both fighters battle until the round is over. Good, hard round.

Round 3 – The action slows down in the third. Both men show a willingness to bang but throw wildly and not many punches are landed.

Round 4 - Another steady, hard fought round. McCants gets the best of the action by landing cleaner, harder punches. The fight ends with a street corner type brawl with both men mixing it all over the ring until the bell sounds.


Majority Decision for Phillip McCants
38-38
40-36
40-36







Middleweight
Gerardo Arcos (1-0-1 1ko) vs. Mike Dargan (1-0 1ko)
Sacramento, CA Philadelphia, PA

Round 1 – Round 1 proves to be slow. Both fighters throw 1 punch then back off. Dargan flashes a fast left but doesn’t land. Arcos misses many of the punches he throws.

Round 2 – Arcos is more active and lands many more shots than Dargan. Arcos lands the hard power shots towards the end of the round. Looks to be a bit of a head hunter but this method seems to work.

Round 3 – Arcos throws hard lefts and slips in rights on occasion. He controls the tempo and picks his spots. Dargan connects with a few rights of his own but Arcos is much more active. Arcos steps up the heat late in the round connecting with hard lefts and rights. Dargan shows a chin this round. He needed it because Arcos consistently split Dargan’s gloves with uppercuts.

Round 4 – Arcos still works the left which always seems to land. Dargan comes back with a late burst and cuts Arcos’ eye. Arcos hits with a hard 3 piece to the head which leads to a slugfest on the ropes. Arcos hits another 1-2-3 followed by an uppercut which seals the round and the victory.

Unanimous decision for Gerardo Arcos



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Joey Eye Boxing at the Sovereign Bank Arena 10-21-05

Friday Night Fights II
Joey Eye Boxing & NIT Management
Sovereign Bank Arena 10-21-05

There was a bit of last minute shuffling but Joey Eye still managed to pull of a crowd pleaser at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton New Jersey. The main event between unbeaten prospect Chucky Cavallo and knockout artist Berry Butler had to be canceled due to an injury sustained to Cavallo’s left hand during a sparring session late in the week. Instead the numerous fans in attendance were treated to a boxing clinic by Terrance Cauthen, an impressive bounce back victory by Jon Gaddis, a hard fought battle by Doel Caraquillo and Rami Ibrahim, the professional debut of Sean Bullock who made quick work of his opponent, and some of the finest ring girls on the East Coast provided by Rix Mag. Click here for the blow by blow details.




Doel Carrasquillo - Rami Ibraham

The night started with two regulars from the Joey Eye stable looking to move up the ranks and eventually face off against more experienced competition in the near future. Doel Carrasquillo, the newest protégé of Terry Nye, entered the fight with a different style than seen in other bouts. Rami Ibraham was coming fresh off of an impressive win at the World Gym in Philadelphia two months ago.

Round one: a solid start to the night as Ibraham initiated action, while Doel spent lots of time counter-punching and moving. Both fighters scored with flurries on separate occasions and toward the end of the round Carrasquillo used nice defensive mechanisms to avoid the incoming punches of Ibraham.

round: 10-9 Carrasquillo

Round two: a lot like the first round, but Ibraham seems to throw smarter punches, not leaving himself open to counters, as was the case in the first frame. Carrasquillo goes on the attack late in the round putting in work to the body but also taking as much as he gives.

round: 10-9 Carrasquillo
fight: 20-18 Carrasquillo

Round three: the third starts off slow but Ibraham puts together three big combinations which were set up by his effective jab. Rami tried to build on this momentum, but ate a big right by Doel, which keeps him at bay for the rest of the round.

round: 10-9 Ibarham
fight: 29-28 Carrasquillo

Round four: Carrasquillo looked like he was going to end the fight early in round four, when for a full minute he outworked Ibraham, landing solid shots to the head and body and leaving Rami visibly stunned. To Ibraham’s credit he absorbed the punishment and did not go down.

round: Carrasquillo 10-9
fight: Carrasquillo 39-37

Round five: Ibraham comes out of the corner blazing in the fifth. He displays excellent hand speed and thwarted any offensive attempts by Doel for the entire round. Rami also started to throw more power punches, though not many landed.

round: Ibraham 10-9
fight: Carrasquillo 48-47

Round six: Both fighters seem to know it is a close one and give it their all in the final frame. Carrasquillo starts off strong in the beginning, mixing it up to the head and body. Ibraham manages to bounce back and land hard shots of his own and both fighters battle it out until the final bell sounds.

round: Carrasquillo 10-9
fight: Carrasquillo 58-56

The scorecards are read and Doel Caraquillo is declared the winner by split decision

An excellent curtain jerker, which set the tone for a night of solid, clean fighting. Ibraham once again was close but got no cigar. Doel showed he has what it takes to hang in there for more than four rounds and displayed good defensive instincts as well as the ability to punch.
Doel Carrasquillo improves to 3-2-1 (1)
Rami Ibraham falls to 2-5




John Gaddis vs Eugene Parker

Both fighters entered the match with something to prove. Eugene Parker was making his profession debut and John Gaddis is coming off of a lack luster performance at the Diablo Fight Club last month. From the opening round until the final bell sounded, the boxers kept the crowd of their feet with the fast paced action.

Round 1 – Parker wastes no time getting his feet wet by taking Gaddis into the corner and working the mid section. Gaddis punches with way out and takes the action back to the center of the ring. Both fighters throw jabs until Gaddis follows one up with a stiff right that gave the rookie his first ever taste of canvas. Parker rises to his feet and shows no effects from the knockdown as he manages to avoid Gaddis attempt to end the fight and finishes the round with a nice upper cut of his own which catch the attention of Gaddis.

Saddo scorecard
10 -8 Gaddis


Round 2 – Parker’s corner must have warned him about being over anxious as he took a different approach in the second. Gaddis once again tried to close the door but Parker sticks to the jab and shows a bit of footwork. Parker steps it up and gets the best of an exchange along the ropes. The action dies down a bit as the fighters take it to the middle where Gaddis effectively works the jab. Gaddis follows with an uppercut which lands flush sparking off another exchange where both men land a few clean shots. Parker gets a slight edge at the end with a late flurry as the bell rang.

Saddo scorecard
10 -9 Parker

Round 3 – Gaddis comes out again applying the pressure and Parker shows he is game. As both fighters stand toe to toe trading heavy shots, Gaddis connects with a left hook that floors Parker. Parker rises again and gets right back into it leading to a very good exchange that busts open Gaddis eye. The match has reached fever pitch and Gaddis comes back strong, muscling Parker into the corner, where he unloads and connected with another big left which puts Parker on his back again. To Parker’s credit, he gets up again and manages to finish out the round.

Saddo scorecard
10-7 Gaddis


Round 4 – Parker comes out looking tired but there is no questioning his heart as he goes into another exchange with Gaddis. Parker’s legs are jellied and wisely avoids anymore brawling. He goes back to the jab and it is effective. In the final minute Gaddis turns up the heat at the end of the round where both men fire away in the corner until the bell sounds.

Saddo scorecard
10-9 Parker

Winner Jon Gaddis – Unanimous Decision

Fight roundup – Gaddis showed a mean left, solid chin and willingness to brawl. Parker showed flashes when he stuck to the basics and also showed lots of heart getting up 3 times in the fight but took the bait every time Gaddis wanted to exchange and paid the price.

Gaddis improves to 9 -4 2ko’s
Parker is now 0 -1





Sean Bullock vs Drew Gizzi

This was the profession debut for both fighters. It was a short but exciting fight as both fighters came out throwing bombs. Bullock came out on top courtesy of a devastating left which set up more punches leaving the referee no choice but to stop the fight.

Round 1 – You could tell it was the moment both men have been waiting their whole life for. There was nothing technical about this fight as both fighters ran out of the corner to the middle of the ring and fired away. Most of these punches were big overhand rights which put the crowd on its feet. During this brawl Bullock lands a left leaves Gizzi in a daze. He follows up with more hard rights and left knocking Gizzi down and out as the ref calls the fight at 1:42 in the 1st.

Winner Sean Bullock TKO 1:42 1ST round

Sean Bullock is now 1-0
Drew Gizzi falls to 0-1



Bryant Brannon vs. Darmel Castillo

This was the return of once upon a time contender Bryant Brannon who came back after a long lay off to take on slugger Darmel Castillo. Brannon showed a bit of ring rust but came on strong towards the end showing flashes of the boxer who once graced the squared circle with Roy Jones Jr.

Round 1 – Not much to report in the first as both fighters circled the ring and threw jabs. Castillo would try to initiate action but Brannon would back out at any sign of action. The boo birds start to come out.

Saddo scorecard
10-10


Round 2 – Castillo starts off fast landing a good body flurry. Brannon is looking rusty throwing light punches and avoiding any real action. The boo birds come out again and Castillo tries to quiet them down connecting with a few light taps. Brannon finally puts in enough work to break a sweat and finishes the round landing a few shots to the mid section of Castillo.

Saddo scorecard
Castillo 10-9


Round 3 – The round starts off physical as Castillo forces the action to the ropes and goes to the body. Brannon is able to maneuver out of the corner and take it to the middle where an actual boxing match breaks out. Castillo tries to jab but Brannon is showing good head work making his opponent miss the target. Brannon shows nice counter punching ability. Brannon establishes that he is the strong of the two and muscled the action to the ropes where he put together a few strings of body shots.

Saddo scorecard
Brannon 10-9

Round 4 – Brannon shows his strength and forces Castillo in the corner. Brannon works the body bit Castillo responds with solid shots to Brannon’s head. This is the beginning of a good exchange along the ropes. The action goes back to the middle and Castillo is snapping the left which keeps Brannon at bay. Castillo starts to throw punches with authority but most don’t land due to Brannon’s head movement. Brannon finishes the round with a solid left which seems to hurt Castillo but not finish him off.

Saddo scorecard
Castillo 10-9

Round 5 – both fighters are active again with Brannon staying to the body and Castillo responding with punches to the head. Castillo’s right hand obviously packs power. Castillo then works the jab most of the round avoid the bull rush of Brannon. Towards the end, Brannon lands a flush right. Castillo backs off any major action until the end.

Saddo scorecard
Brannon 10-9

Round 6 – Brannon tries to set the tone for the final round popping the left jab and following with the right. The action goes to the ropes for a bit where Castillo lands a hard right upstairs. Brannon responds with a right of his own and then both fighters slow it down which takes the fight to the scorecards.

Saddo scorecard
Brannon 10-9

Winner Bryant Brannon Majority decision

Fight Roundup –


Bryant Brannon improves to 22- 2 14ko’s
Darmel Castillo falls to 10-9-2 6ko’s



Terrance Cauthen vs. Frans “Rambo” Hantindi


Round 1 – The fight started off as a slow feel out round. Cauthen put in the most work connecting with flurries then backing away. Any offense Rambo tried to mount was stymied by the elusiveness of Cauthen.

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10-9

Round 2 – this round starts off a little fast than the last as both fighters throw jabs from a distance although not many land. Cauthan gets in a little closer and begins to connect with the left jab. With the left jab established, Cauthen starts to get aggressive following the jab with quick rights. Rambo goes on the defensive then out of no where lands a solid right which sparks an exchange in the corner as the round nears the end.

Saddo scorecard
10-9 Cauthen

Round 3 – Rambo tries to apply the pressure but Cauthen is just too fast. Cauthen’s fast footwork and stiff jab has Rambo obviously frustrated. The theme of round 3 is Cauthen ducking Rambo’s right and throwing a steady diet of 1-2 combo’s

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10-9

Round 4 – Cauthen goes on the offensive this round and is landing the right at will. Cauthen then starts to work the body with success. After a slight exchange, the action goes to the corner where Cauthen lands more hard body shots.

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10-9

Round 5 – Cauthen was a defensive specialist in the 5th and Rambo tried to force the action but came up empty on all accounts. Cauthen threw and landed a steady diet of jabs.

Saddo scorecard
10-9 Cauthen

Round 6 – Another effective round by Cauthen where he is barely touched. In the 6th he consistently throws 2 punch body combos then backs away. Towards the end of the round Cauthen flashes lighting speed connecting with a 5 piece combo.

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10-9


Round 7 – Cauthen turns on the speed again throwing precision punches to Rambo’s head and ducking out at any sign of trouble. Rambo does mount his first bit of significant action as he smothers Cauthen along the ropes and lands a few punches of his own.

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10- 9


Round 8 – Cauthen once again fires off punchs at a high volume and Rambo’s chin is paying the price. Rambo tries the smother technique again but the veteran Cauthen eludes the rush and lands a right flush to the chin sending Rambo to the mat. Rambo gets up but absors another load of punishment as Cauthen closes the show with a big flurry of rights and lefts until the final bell sounds.

Saddo scorecard
Cauthen 10-8


Winner Terrance Cauthen unanimous decision


Fight Roundup – Forget a shut out, Cauthen pitched a no hitter. He showed the ability to box, punch with power and great footwork while avoiding any sign of trouble in the bout.

Terrance Cauthen improves to 28 -3 7ko’s
Frans “Rambo” Hantindi falls to 10 -6 -2 7ko’s



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Yusef Mack dominates Christian Cruz to retain the USBA Super Middleweight & UBA Light Heavyweight Titles

First District Plaza Results, 11-10-05 Philadelphia, PA

USBA Super Middleweight & UBA Light Heavyweight Title Match


Yusef Mack 19 – 0 – 2 (11) vs. Christian Cruz 11 – 3 – 1 (9)
Philadelphia, PA Sacramento, CA

During his ring entrance Yusef Mack & the Hustlers Union came to the ring chanting the slogan “they flew him in from Cali to take mine.. it ain't happenin'”. Mack, representing 58th & Lancaster to the fullest, showed his Brotherly Love to challanger Christian Cruz by administered one of the worst beatings seen during the Philly 2005 boxing campaign. With the 6th round TKO victory, Yusef Msck retained the USBA Super Middleweight & UBA Light Heavyweight Titles and is now eyeing up the musclehead Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy or Joe Calazaghe next. Here is how it went down round by round.

Round 1 – Cruz comes out of the corner showing he is ready to give it his all. His strategy of throwing hard overhand rights fail due to Mack’s quickness. Cruz then tried to tie up Yusef in hopes of working the body but only hugs air. This proves to be a mistake as it leaves Cruz open and Mack begins to connect at will. Cruz then opts to go toe to toe with the champ but Mack gets the best of this as well. Yusef shows excellent head movements which causes Cruz to miss almost all of his punches and leaves him open for a number of combinations to the head.

Saddo scorecard 10- 9 Mack

Round 2 – Yusef Mack puts on a boxing clinic in round 2. Cruz shows he has fast hands but Mack is that much faster. Cruz is still game and is trying his hardest to find an opening but Mack displays a sharp left jab to start the round. Cruz starts to run at Mack throwing hard right and lefts aimed towards the body but once again hit nothing but air. Mack shows discipline by not immediately going for the big punches, instead waits until Cruz throws himself into the corner before finishing the round throwing and connecting with a number of power punches.

Saddo Scorecard 10 – 9 Mack

Round 3 – The pace slows down in the 3rd, Mack is not as active. Cruz tries to pick up the pace with the bull rush technique but once again whiffs with his punches. Mack uses the footwork and the left jab to keep Cruz at bay.

Saddo Scorecard 10 – 9 Mack

Round 4 – Yusef Mack takes control of the 4th early throwing power punches upstairs which are connecting. The crowd is going wild and Cruz can’t seem to find an answer. He is still throwing but not landing and is visible frustrated. Cruz does show the ability to take a punch. Mack works the body for the last minute of the round which starts to take some steam out of Cruz.

Saddo Scorecard 10 – 9 Mack

Round 5 – Cruz comes out and mounts his first bit of productive offense. He is able to dodge Mack’s left jab and gets inside where he does some solid bodywork. Not to be outdone, Mack opts to trade punches with Cruz and a hard body bang ensues. Mack slips in a big left uppercut which leaves Cruz open for the power right to the face. Cruz sucks it up and goes right back to the body with limited success. While Cruz is starting to gain entry, Mack is able to punch out every time. Cruz seems to be tiring and is extremely discouraged.

Saddo Scorecard 10 – 9 Mack

Round 6 – Yusef lands a big right early in the round which hurts Cruz. Mack smells the win and goes for the kill. With Cruz legs jellied, Mack throws rights and lefts upstairs which all land. Cruz is against the ropes and Mack unleashed a hellacious 5 piece combo which gives the referee no option but to stop the fight.
Winner - Yusef Mack -6TH Round TKO


Yusef Mack Improves to 20 – 0 – 2 (12)
Christian Cruz falls to 11 – 4 -1 (9)





In other action:

Jamaal “Tyson” Davis shuts out journeyman Vance Garvey winning a unanimous decision in 6 round Super Middleweight action. Davis is ferocious to the body and those hard shots consistently opened Garvey up for the 1-2 combo upstairs. All 3 judges score the bout 60 -54.

Jamaal Davis improves to 5 – 1 (4) Vance Garvey falls to 6 – 19 -4 (1)


Maurice Wheeler endured a 3rd round knockdown to win a split decision against Najee Shaheed in a 6 round heavyweight fight. This battle of sluggers saw both fighters land their share of power shots with Wheeler scoring most while working the body. Shaheed looked like he had it wrapped up in the 3rd when he floored Wheeler with a straight right. Wheeler rebounded by fighting with a bit of caution which in turn won him the last 3 rounds.

Maurice Wheeler improves to 8 – 4 -1 (1) Najee Shaheed falls to 21 – 10 -2 (11)


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