|
|
||||
|
|
The co-main
event featured a blistering performance from Kadeem “Speedy Deen”
Hunter Munson (Philadelphia), who needed just 2 minutes and 25 seconds to dispatch
Venezuela southpaw Yeifer Valencia with a first-round knockout. Trained by his father,
former pro Eric “Outlaw” Hunter, the undefeated super lightweight
(5-0, 5 KOs) lived up to his nickname with a lightning-quick finish. Also on the card, Philly bantamweight debutant Amillioh “Too Smooth” Lovera outboxed Marcus Decamp (Battlecreek, MI) over four rounds. Using his reach and footwork to neutralize Decamp’s aggression, Lovera (1-0) stayed composed and in control from start to finish, earning a unanimous decision (40-36 on all three official scorecards (Bernard Bruni, Lynne Carter, and Robert Rubnitz). Decamp fell to 0-5. Shawn Clark was the referee.
In a
competitive featherweight bout, Oxford, PA's Cornelio “Chada Time” Phipps
(5-0, 2 KOs) edged
veteran Sharone “Smoke” Carter Jr. (14-11-1, 3 KOs), of St. Louis,
MO, by split decision. Early rounds
saw clean exchanges, but Carter began to outmaneuver Phipps with
effective counters and combinations. Phipps rebounded in the fifth,
though frustration surfaced when he was admonished for yelling at
the crowd. The decision was split. Judge scored it 58-56 for Carter.
Judge Robert Rubnitz had it 58-56 for Phipps. However Marc
Werlinsky's wider tally of 59–55 for Phipps raised some eyebrows
in what appeared to be an otherwise a closely contested bout. Phipps, a national
amateur standout, was cornered by his father, Dewayne Phipps.
Local welterweight Tyreem “Moo Banga” Haywood extended his undefeated streak (5-0, 5 KOs) with a second-round knockout of Darby, PA's Abraham Charles (0-1-1). Haywood dropped Charles twice—once with a sharp left hand—and showcased punishing bodywork before referee Shawn Clark stopped the bout at 2:09 of round one.
Jamison, PA-based Uzbek featherweight prospect Otabek “Bek” Melikov made an emphatic pro debut, dropping Angelo Ramos in the first round and forcing a stoppage at 2:44. Although Ramos (0-4), North Lauderdal, FL, protested, referee Eric Dali’s decision appeared well-timed as Melikov (1-0, 1 KO) dominated from the opening bell.
Cruiserweights Greg “Hot Shot” Hackett and Armondo “Hard Hittas”
Reeves (Jefferson City, MO) delivered a gritty four-round scrap. Reeves attempted to use
his size to bully Hackett along the ropes, but Hackett’s investment
in body shots and uppercuts paid off late. In the final round,
Hackett surged forward, closing strong and earning a unanimous
decision. Judges Bernard Bruni, Lynne Carter, and Robert Rubnitz all
scored the bout 40-36. Hackett (4-24-1), a Philadelphia favorite, was cheered on by world
champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis and rising prospect Erron “Junk Yard
Dog” Peterson. Hackett's nephew, Mekhi Hackett, worked his corner alongside
trainer Billy Briscoe.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
