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(continuation)
There was a potent feeling of excitement in the air as the audience awaited Morrison's walk to the ring, an edge-of-your-seat type vibe that they were about to see something extraordinary. His opponent, the Canadian Wilfie Greaves looked at best apprehensive, at worst terrified as he paced back and forth in his corner. Suddenly the Slayer classic "Angel of Death" exploded from the arena speakers, stunning many in the crowd while others who immediately recognised the song shouted their approval. About a minute into it the arena went dark, save for a single spotlight that highlighted Morrison and his small support team as they made their way down the aisle.
Like Ketchel in the night's previous bout Morrison wore black, his head bowed under an oversized hood. Once in the ring he stood in his own corner, head remaining bowed as if oblivious to both his opponent and the reception the crowd had given him. He only moved when the referee called the two fighters together, Morrison removing his robe to reveal a chiselled, ripped torso, knee length black trunks and a mohawk hairstyle, which brought a deal of commotion from the crowd. The Wisconsin native seemed to stare right through Greaves, a cold, blank emotionlessness in his eyes as the referee gave his final instructions.
The crowd weren't the only ones expecting a destructive debut for Morrison. Most boxing experts were predicting an early stoppage victory for him and while the final result lived up to those hopes, the route that led to it might have been something of a let down. After controlling the opening two rounds convincingly, Morrison caught Greaves with a hard left hook early in the 3rd that opened a nasty one inch cut over the Canadian's right eye. It only took moments for the ring doctor to rule that Greaves could not continue and the bout was stopped 56 seconds into the round, Morrison a winner by TKO. Some in the crowd booed, unhappy with the outcome. Although he'd landed some thunderous blows, shots that had the audience on their feet, Morrison did not score a knockdown and some felt the doctor should have allowed the fight to continue. Morrison tended to agree with them, showing little remorse for his opponent when interviewed afterwards.
"We were only just warmin' up," he said incredulously, running a hand through his mohawk. "I really would o' liked a chance to bust him open some more, you know? Maybe put him on his ass a few times. He was a bit tougher than I expected, I'll give him that. But those punches he landed, I gotta say ... it was like some little b!t<h hittin' me. The dude is as weak as hell."
It must be said that Greaves did show more than most were expecting, but Morrison's take on the bout was pretty accurate. The Canadian rarely used his right hand, only prepared to try and keep Morrison at a distance with a stiff jab, one that did little if no damage.
Punch totals
Jake Morrison: 58/254 (22.8%)
Wilfie Greaves: 51/143 (35.7%)
"Whoever it is, he'll be in for a world o' hurt," Morrison said when asked about his next opponent. "I don't give a damn who they put me in against. I'm pissed that this fight ended like it did and I'm gonna keep that s%#t down in my gut, you know? Gonna carry it into the next fight with me, for sure."
Morrison departed the ring moments later, refusing to acknowledge the crowd until he scowled and cursed at a young child who called out to him. It brought a chorus of boos from the audience which Morrison ignored, head once again covered by that large hood...
(to be continued)
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