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(continuation)
Punch totals
Eddie Booker: 156/392 (.398)
Jack Fox: 129/339 (.381)
"The brother packs one helluva punch," said Booker afterwards. "But I was confident that steppin' up and taking the initiative away from him would blunt that. My speed and aggression got me in a winning position after those first two rounds but he came back strong and made it hard for me to keep it goin'. You know, I ain't had the best prep for this one 'cause of some stuff with my family but I felt pretty strong all the way through. Probably got a bit lucky in the 5th there landin' those hard shots. Surprised me how much they slowed him down."
Fox was in no mood for talk, departing the ring before Booker's interview had concluded. Unsurprisingly, his apparent dummy spit did not receive the most favourable response from the crowd but Fox appeared unconcerned, wearing an angry sneer as he made his way back to the dressing rooms. Ever since the St. Louis selection trials the man has had a reputation for being something of a bully and it was clear to see that he was having trouble handling the fact that he'd been "outbullied" by a more lighter-hitting opponent. Mention must be made of the impressive start Booker has made to the tournament. Despite his excellent amateur career he's been overlooked by some of the experts as far as this particular group is concerned. They've preferred to focus on Spinks, Foster, Lewis and Fox but Booker showed tonight that he should not be ignored when it comes to qualifying for the World Championship tournament.
UNDERCARD HIGHLIGHTS...
* Kansas native Scot Long absorbed a ton of punishment from silver medallist Bob Foster on debut. Although he lost the bout the 23 year-old proved that he's as tough as nails, staying on his feet for the duration and actually finishing the better fighter. Tonight he was up against a man he'd clashed with heatedly at the St. Louis trials, the lanky Iowa native Michael Nunn. Having only tipped the scales at 168 pounds for his debut loss to Jack Fox, Nunn had packed on some muscle in the intervening five weeks and didn't look so undersized as he stepped between the ropes and regarded Long with a steely gaze. Long himself was sporting something of a meaner appearance, having parted with his blonde hair in favour of a crew cut that emphasised his chiselled, broad-shouldered physique. With both men looking for their first victory it promised to be a competitive stoush and did not disappoint...
(to be continued)
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