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Strict Biz Promotions returned to Harrah’s
Casino Philadelphia, in Chester, PA, on July 11 with a seven-fight
card featuring a World Boxing Bureau (WBB) junior lightweight title
fight, a competitive co-main event, two professional debuts, and
several local prospects. The card produced two stoppages, five
decisions, and an entertaining co-main event that earned "Fight of
the Night" honors.
Zak Kelly defeated John Hawks, Bellmawr, NJ,
for the second time in their careers, once again by first-round
stoppage. Kelly established his right hand
immediately, dropping Hawks before continuing to land clean power
shots. Referee Eric Dali stepped in at 2:26 of the opening round to
stop the contest before Hawks absorbed further punishment.
The result mirrored their first meeting on
February 8, 2025, when Kelly stopped Hawks six second quicker. The
victory also came on Kelly’s wedding anniversary.
RESULT: Zak Kelly TKO1 John Hawks (2:26) Kelly: 6-2, 5 KOs
McCOWIN WINS PRO DEBUT Wilmington, DE heavyweight A.T. McCowin
opened his professional career with a unanimous decision over
Philly's Will Bates. The opening round featured little
feeling-out as both heavyweights exchanged early. McCowin repeatedly
backed Bates to the ropes and worked effectively to the body.
Although Bates held the size advantage (3" and 64 pounds), McCowin
consistently proved to be the stronger fighter. Bates found more success in the second
round, but McCowin continued to control the exchanges. During the
third round, McCowin threw Bates to the canvas in frustration,
drawing a warning from referee Eric Irizarry. Bates was slow getting
up, showing signs of fatigue.
With Bates continuing to absorb punishment
in the fourth, Irizarry warned him, “You’ve got to show me
something.” Bates responded with a brief rally but was unable to
change the outcome. All three judges (Gail Jasper, Stephen
Mullkoff, Marc Werinsky) scored the bout 40-36 for McCowin.
Following the decision, McCowin celebrated by jawing with hometown
fans.
RESULT: A.T. McCowin W4 (U) Will Bates
(40-36 x 3)
JOHNSON EARNS MAJORITY DECISION Philly's Rasheed “Sugar Sheed” Johnson (now
Willow Grove, PA) returned to the ring for the first time since
August 2024, earning a majority decision over veteran southpaw Alex
Martin, Hammond, IN. Martin spent much of the fight using
movement and footwork to control distance, forcing Johnson to chase
him around the ring. Johnson patiently worked behind his reach
advantage while looking to cut off the ring. Martin remained active with double and
triple jabs while choosing when to engage. Johnson found more
success as the fight progressed, producing his best round in the
fifth by trapping Martin along the ropes and in the corners.
The sixth round featured the best exchanges
of the fight as both fighters increased their urgency. Martin
believed he had done enough to earn the victory and appeared visibly
disappointed when the decision was announced. Judge Robert Rubnitz scored the bout 57-57,
while Judges Gail Jasper and Stephen Mulkoff favored Johnson by
scores of 59-55 and 60-54, respecitively.
RESULT: Rasheed Johnson W6 (M) Alex Martin
AJUWA SCORES FIRST PROFESSIONA WIN After eight losses and one draw, Wilmington,
DE-based Nigerian Elias Ajuwa earned the first victory of his
professional career with a second-round stoppage of Philadelphian
Steve McCabe. Both fighters opened aggressively, throwing
wide punches and showed signs of early fatigue. Ajuwa settled down
in the second round and began finding the target with his right
hand.
He scored two knockdowns with right hands
before landing a stiff left that badly hurt McCabe. Referee Eric
Irizarry stopped the bout at 1:38 of the second round. After the fight, Ajuwa credited his
opponent, saying, “Props to my opponent. He’s closer to Mike Tyson
than many are to him.”
RESULT Elias Ajuwa TKO2 Steve McCabe (1:38)
BARBLY ENTERTAINING IN DEBUT Liberia native Franky “Lucas” Barbly made a
successful professional debut with a split decision victory over
Wilmington's Kashif El Amin. The fight maintained a fast pace from the
opening bell. Both fighters spent much of the contest exchanging in
the pocket, with El Amin finding success using looping punches while
Barbly answered with straighter shots and steady pressure. Neither boxer was reluctant to exchange,
producing one of the most entertaining fights of the evening. Barbly
also received strong support from the Liberian fans in attendance
throughout the bout.
Result: Franky Barbly W4 (S) Kashif El Amin
HARDY OUTWORKS FRUTO IN FIGHT OF THE NGHT Chester's David “Hot Sauce” Hardy Jr. earned
a unanimous decision over Canadian John Elroy Fruto in the co-main
event.
Hardy consistently pressured Fruto, winning
exchanges whenever he trapped him along the ropes or in the corners.
Fruto used movement to create space but was unable to keep Hardy
from closing the distance.
Midway through the fight, Hardy sensed Fruto
was hurt and increased his pressure in search of a stoppage. Fruto
answered back with punches of his own and remained competitive
through the final bell. All three judges scored the fight for Hardy: Gail Jasper (59-55), Stephen Mullkoff (59-55), Marc Werlinsky (60-54). The referee was Eric Irizarry.
RESULT: David Hardy Jr. W6 (U) John Elroy
Fruto
HOLDEN CAPTURES WBB BELT WITH DECISION Jalique Holden, Wilmington, DE, remained
undefeated by defeating Baltimore's Antonio Dunton El Jr. via
unanimous decision to win the World Boxing Bureau junior lightweight
title belt. Dunton El’s movement frustrated Holden
during the middle rounds, prompting repeated calls from Holden’s
corner to establish the jab. Dunton El often dictated when exchanges
occurred, but Holden’s reach allowed him to score consistently
whenever he closed the distance.
Holden increased his pressure during the
fifth round and finished the fight strongly to secure the title. Judges Rubnitz (60-54), Jasper (59-55), and
Mulkoff (58-56) scored the bout in Holden’s favor.
RESULT: Jalique Holden Ww6 (U) Antonio
Dunton El Jr.
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