The International Boxing League

[Romdawg88]

Damn, tough break for Moe there. Man, Zale is just a beast he's going to be tough to beat. Is Moe the first forum character to lose? I know there was a draw but I don't remember if anyone has lost yet.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Damn, tough break for Moe there. Man, Zale is just a beast he's going to be tough to beat. Is Moe the first forum character to lose? I know there was a draw but I don't remember if anyone has lost yet.

Unfortunately, he is. I'm now starting to worry for Scott, Javier and my buddy Yamada.

Zale is like some sort of non-stop, untiring, punching guy.*

* (Simpsons reference)

[Ric915]

Awesome Stuff so far KC. Tough draw for Moe Getting Zale in his debut. I'm sure he'll bounce back

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Ric915

Awesome Stuff so far KC. Tough draw for Moe Getting Zale in his debut. I'm sure he'll bounce back

Thanks, Ric. Here's Mr. Ketchel's debut...

(continuation of post #280)

"He was just too aggressive for me," lamented Moe afterwards. "I spent so much time defending and absorbing his shots that I had nothing left to throw at him."

The Missouri slugger was clearly shattered by the defeat, looking stunned during the interview.

"I'm feelin' kinda numb right now," he said. "I never contemplated losing this fight and the way it's happened ... I'm finding it hard to believe. I know the guy was a bronze medallist but I just felt so confident when I stepped through those ropes, you know? I guess I'll have to re-evaluate how far along I am."

Zale's showing will only strengthen the case of those who believe he can win the World Championship. His level of fitness was remarkable, allowing him to work at an incredible rate for most of the fight. It will be interesting to see who he's matched up against in series two.

***

The evening had now reached its midpoint and in a surprise for the audience, legendary guitarist and Pittsburgh native George Benson made his way to the ring accompanied by a bass player and percussionist. They received a warm welcome before launching into brilliant stripped-down versions of some of his biggest hits including "Give Me The Night", "Turn Your Love Around" and "On Broadway". The thirty minute set had the crowd on their feet applauding, dancing and clapping along, Benson proving that at the age of 59, he's still a marvellous musician. The trio departed to a standing ovation, Benson waving and smiling to the crowd.

***

Support Bout

One of the combatants that many in attendance were looking forward to seeing was Michigan's Stanley Ketchel. Now one week short of his eighteenth birthday, he'd made a huge impression during June's Indianapolis selection trials, his extroverted, kooky personality matched by his aggressive disposition and punching power when in the ring. Ketchel's intense training workouts and his even more intense rivalry with Wisconsin native Jake Morrison were the highlights of those Conseco Fieldhouse trials and the Polish-born slugger's debut was one of the most anticipated bouts from the entire first week of IBL competition.

His opponent could not have been a more polar opposite: respectful and modest, Minnesota's Mike O'Dowd will have to rely more on his technical ability and intellect rather than any physical traits if he wants to succeed in this tournament. He's a gifted boxer, no doubt, but his chances of taking out opponents with a series of devastating right hand bombs are not good. Going up against Ketchel on debut was by no means an ideal career start but O'Dowd looked calm and collected as he prowled the ring in the moments before the opening bell.

Bringing the crowd to their feet, Ketchel had made his way to the ring dressed in black and accompanied by the heavy metal onslaught of Metallica's "Battery". Once between the ropes he flipped off his hood to reveal a freshly-shaven pate. He smiled and winked to the crowd, left fist raised, before regarding his opponent with an unsettling gaze for a good ten seconds. O'Dowd stared right back at him, unwavering, before Ketchel's trainer called him back to his corner.

Most experts were predicting a difficult night for O'Dowd and those beliefs were confirmed within the opening minute of the fight when he was sent to the canvas with the first punch that Ketchel landed, a crushing uppercut that had the Minnesota native on his backside and the crowd on their feet. O'Dowd pushed himself up at three, leaning on the ropes for support as he looked at Ketchel with a perturbed expression on his face. Like a shark smelling blood in the water Ketchel came in for the kill but his initial attempts at finishing his man off were rushed, haphazard and inaccurate. It wasn't until later in the round where Ketchel was able to land some really telling blows with a solid cross followed almost immediately by another one of those smashing uppercuts. O'Dowd connected with an uppercut of his own just before the bell but there was little behind it and he returned to his corner on unsteady legs. The crowd had been right in Ketchel's corner and they applauded enthusiastically as he shouted and pounded his chest, a wild quality in his eyes.

O'Dowd looked visibly shaken and, dare I say it, scared as he sat on his stool, breathing heavily. He came out for round two but one could only wonder why as Ketchel was on him within moments of the bell. A smashing left hook landed flush on O'Dowd's jaw, chased by a left-right salvo and then a right hook that snapped O'Dowd's head around: all this within the opening minute. O'Dowd tried to keep Ketchel at bay with the jab but it was a hopeless, feeble effort. Ketchel simply walked through the punches and then dropped his man for a second time, a right rip to the ribcage bringing a grimace from O'Dowd. He fell to one knee, clutching at his side. He was up at eight but it was clear that the end was near.

Ketchel came in once more, a sledgehammer-like straight right careening off O'Dowd's cheekbone. Ketchel unleashed that chopping left-right salvo again, merciless in his assault. As the round entered its final minute O'Dowd was at his mercy. A left hook backed O'Dowd into a neutral corner and when Ketchel moved in and unleashed a straight right, a left hook and another straight right (this one catching O'Dowd right on the forehead) referee David Smoger had seen enough. He pulled Ketchel away and embraced the battered, beaten Minnesotan, calling the fight over at the 2:37 mark.

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Holy crap, I was looking forward to this match thinking it be a great hard fought match and yeah I was horribly wrong about that. Ketchel looked scary good man I can't wait for him and Zale to match up that will be a total war. Also, I like Stanley's choice in entrance music.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Holy crap, I was looking forward to this match thinking it be a great hard fought match and yeah I was horribly wrong about that. Ketchel looked scary good man I can't wait for him and Zale to match up that will be a total war. Also, I like Stanley's choice in entrance music.

KETCHEL = BADASS

(continuation of post #284)

"I'm happy we got this over with quickly," said an excited Ketchel during an interview with HBO's Mike Davison. "The hotel we're stayin' at's playin' a Seinfeld marathon all night long and all day tomorrow so we might be able to get back there before it starts. You look a little like George yourself, Mr. Davison. Say somethin' like George would, man. Say "Jerry! Jerry!" Come on, man."

Davison, who actually does resemble Jason Alexander, was quite bemused by Ketchel's words and opted for asking him how he managed to destroy O'Dowd so easily.

"Don't ask me that, man," replied Ketchel dismissively. "You saw it, dude. You wanna see it again, watch your videotape. It'll give you all the answers you need."

Ketchel and his team had left the ring soon after, the young slugger in an animated mood as he made his way out of the arena. In a fight that was expected to be a real competitive struggle, Ketchel had simply blown his opponent away. In less than two rounds of work he landed 78 of 218 punches (35.7%), O'Down just 12 of 86 (13.9%)...

Co-Feature

On this night where anticipation was the theme, the debut of Wisconsin native Jake Morrison had finally arrived. Since making one helluva impression at June's Indianapolis trials with his hostile, anti-social disposition the 19 year-old wrecking machine has been regarded as one of the most hardcore, uncompromising entrants into these IBL tournaments. Morrison only added to that dangerous aura when he left a pair of Chippewa Falls locals who tried to assault him while on his morning run battered and bruised back at the end of July. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident but had spoken of his frustration in regards to the attitude that some in his hometown have towards him.

"This ain't the first time it's happened," Morrison had said. "Been a couple of times when I was at the bar where guys have been full o' liquor and thought they could slug it out with me. Think some of these guys are jealous 'cause they ain't made much of their lives so they gotta try and take some o' mine. But this is my home and I ain't goin' anywhere, so if these %&*$#@! wanna keep on steppin' up to the plate, I'll keep on droppin' them on their asses!"

Since that publicised event Morrison has done his best to stay out of trouble, a task that included a temporary move to Minneapolis for training purposes. Obviously, this contradicted his words where he said he "ain't goin' anywhere" but Morrison had confirmed in recent days that it really helped his training regime.

"No one there knew who I was," he said. "Made training a whole lot easier."

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(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)

[Romdawg88]

Such a lovably, fan friendly guy that Morrison cat is. It's really heart warming to see how he has taken to the public. So thats the second much hyped bomber, like that bum Hanson, that had a disappointing outing. Maybe these cats would be better off working on their game instead of talking about how their going to kill everyone.

Oh yeah, I saw that Pats/Colts post you made over in the Talk Sports forum and I know a site where you can get a live stream of the game if you want to watch it. Let me if your interested.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Such a lovably, fan friendly guy that Morrison cat is. It's really heart warming to see how he has taken to the public. So thats the second much hyped bomber, like that bum Hanson, that had a disappointing outing. Maybe these cats would be better off working on their game instead of talking about how their going to kill everyone.

Oh yeah, I saw that Pats/Colts post you made over in the Talk Sports forum and I know a site where you can get a live stream of the game if you want to watch it. Let me if your interested.

I would have liked to see him blow the guy away, but it wasn't to be. I was tempted to make him a little nicer but that would have been out of character for him. Besides, one thing the HBF/IBL really does need more of is badasses, dudes the crowds and fans love to hate. Morrsion should fit the bill nicely.

Thanks for your thoughts about the Pats-Colts game, but I'll pass on the live stream thing. I'll be getting ready for work while it's on anyway, but I would have liked to be able to tape it or at least watch the replay when I get home from work in the evening. No big deal, though.

Well, here's the conclusion of the IBL's debut fight card...

(continuation of post #287)

Main Event

The bad taste that Morrison had put in the crowd's mouth quickly dissolved when their hometown hero Harry Greb made his way into the arena for the main event. They applauded when they realised that Charley Burley was part of the entourage, dressed in baggy jeans and a white Nike jumper. He waved to the crowd and smiled in acknowledgement. Like Burley had done to start the evening, Greb wore the colours of the Pittsburgh Steelers, although whereas Burley's robe had been black with gold trim, Greb's was gold with black trim. The former Olympic hopeful had spoken of how proud he was to be the headline act of the league's debut event and that pride was clear to see in his eyes as he made the walk to the ring.

Greb's opponent Ronnie Harris wasn't being mentioned in the same breath as the Middleweight division's top contenders but he looked fiercely determined in the moments before the opening bell. The 22 year-old Ohio native sported a crazy afro and wore eye-catching trunks of alternating blue, yellow, white and red vertical stripes. Once the fight started it became clear that Harris was not going to just lay down for Greb as he had the better of a frenetic opening round. Both men threw over a hundred punches but landed less than 20% of them. The crowd didn't seem to mind as they cheered on the combatants.

The hometown hero looked fantastic in round two, somehow doubling his workrate and tagging Harris throughout. The highlights of Greb's assault were a smashing right hand fifty seconds in, a sizzling combo midway through the round and a left hook that caught Harris on the forehead thirty seconds from the bell. Even so, Harris stayed on his feet, his defiance admirable in the face of such a parochial crowd and first class opponent. He put himself right into the fight in an explosive 3rd round, using an accumulation of precision shots to take the round in convincing fashion. Harris wasn't swinging for the fences but he was working his backside off. Greb needed a breather after his efforts in round two and he'd allowed himself just that in the 3rd.

Round four was very similar to the opener, both fighters throwing numerous shots but failing to find the mark most of the time. It was a terribly even affair and going into the 5th some at ringside were beginning to feel concerned. Harris was still right in the fight and if he could keep it going for the final two rounds the possibility was there for an upset. Greb temporarily allayed those fears in round five with a dominant stanza. Harris looked to be tiring and he could not have thrown more than twenty punches in the round. The Pennsylvanian took full advantage, landing a bunch of scoring blows and also scrambling Harris' circuits with a flurry of shots as the round drew to a close.

The final round would prove to be the best of the fight as the two warriors went all out for victory, Harris digging deep to produce a brave finish. It was hard fought and brutal and with forty seconds left it would have been hard to split them. But Greb came home strongly, first catching Harris with a hard right cross and then a jolting uppercut. Harris somehow stayed on his feet and as the final ten seconds were indicated the crowd came to their feet in ovation. Greb and Harris ended the fight locked in a clinch and remained in that embrace when the final bell sounded. Greb spoke words of praise to his courageous opponent, both fighters acknowledging the crowd's applause while also claiming victory.

On the edge of their seats for the next five minutes, the crowd was finally put out of their misery when Wally Jackson climbed between the ropes to reveal the verdict. The fight had been much, much tighter than predicted and it was a scary reality that the hometown hero might come out on the wrong end of the scorecards.

"Ladies and gentlemen, judge Arno Pokrandt of Germany has scored the bout 58-57 to Harry Greb."

As expected, the crowd cheered. Jackson waited for their volume to subside before continuing.

"Judge Pavel Karding of Poland scores it 58-57 to Ronnie Harris."

This brought rumbles of concern from the audience but little booing.

"Judge Burt Clements of the USA has also scored the fight 58-57, to the winner ... HARRY GREB!!!"

The name was not halfway out of his mouth before the arena erupted, relief and jubilation let loose in a torrent of applause.

Punch totals

Harry Greb - 153/623 (24.6%)
Ronnie Harris - 111/321 (34.6%)

Greb spoke for an extended period to Harris, clearly expressing his admiration for the Canton native's performance and commiserations for the verdict.

"That was so much tougher than I expected," said a relieved Greb afterwards. "The guy came with so much determination, you know? I thought I had him under my thumb there in the 5th but he stepped up again in the 6th and I'm just lucky I finished the round as strong as I did. That's how close I was to defeat, really. I don't think I could have done it without the incredible support of this crowd-"

This brought another deafening ovation, Greb smiling and clapping in return.

"The way you got behind not just myself and Charley but everyone who fought tonight was just fantastic. So thank you so much for that."

The night was not quite over yet as, with the two fighters still in the ring, IBL Chief Director James Molk took up the microphone to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd also like to thank each and every one of you for helping to make this such an incredible night," he said, to which the crowd responded with a round of applause. "When I envisioned how this night would progress I never thought it would be as great as it's turned out and all of you are a huge part of that success. So thank you, all of you, so much for your great support. The time has now come when we reveal the matchups that these twelve fine fighters will face in five weeks from now. As you know the league used a lottery sytem to determine our series one clashes and we'll continue to use it as the tournaments progress."

Molk was handed a small, folded card by one of his associates.

"I'll now read out the matchups for series two of the Middleweight division's North America Central region ... Paul Pirrone versus Ronnie Harris ... Mike O'Dowd versus Greg Moe ... Ted Wright versus Stanley Ketchel ... Tony Zale versus Jake Morrison-"

The crowd reacted to this in numerous ways: low toned oohing and aahing, shouting, screams of approval, general talkativeness. Zale vs Morrison figured to be an absolutely insane matchup. However, the crowd was also getting anxious. With only four fighters left to be named, neither of their favourites had been mentioned yet. Molk continued.

"Harry Greb versus ... Charley Burley!!!"

With that the building went bananas, shouts and screams of excitement, delight and, in some cases, anger. Clearly some were unhappy that their two boys would have to go up against each other so early in the tournament but that was not the majority consensus. A look at Molk's face showed that he was somewhere in the middle. Surely it's a clash he would have preferred to come later in the event, but he was also showing excitement over the prospect of seeing two of the division's best set to go head-to-head.

"The final matchup is Frank Battaglia versus Wilfie Greaves," Molk finished, almost as an afterthought.

The IBL Chief Director walked over to Greb and shook his hand, speaking to him for several minutes. Burley was there also, his body language towards his fellow Steel City native different to how it was when they'd walked to the ring together. Greb was smiling and laughing but he must have been feeling something close to sick on the inside. Most of the crowd remained in the arena until the ring was cleared, Greb and Burley taking the time to sign autographs before making their way back to the dressing rooms. There was a crackling electricity in the air, as if what had taken place tonight was merely an appetiser of what was to come...

Series Two matchups

Middleweight division,
North America Central region

PAUL PIRRONE (0-1-0) vs RONNIE HARRIS (0-1-0)
MIKE O'DOWD (0-1-0) vs GREG MOE (0-1-0)
TED WRIGHT (0-1-0) vs STANLEY KETCHEL (1-0-0(1))
TONY ZALE (1-0-0) vs JAKE MORRISON (1-0-0(1))
HARRY GREB (1-0-0) vs CHARLEY BURLEY (1-0-0)
FRANK BATTAGLIA (1-0-0(1)) vs WILFIE GREAVES (0-1-0)

[kenyan_cheena]

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE FIGHT CARD
MONDAY 26 AUGUST 2002
MELLON ARENA, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, USA

IBL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
REGIONAL QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT, SERIES ONE
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
REGION: NORTH AMERICA CENTRAL


OPENING BOUT

Charley Burley MD6 Paul Pirrone

PRELIMINARY 1

Frank Battaglia KO5 Ted Wright

PRELIMINARY 2

Tony Zale UD6 Greg Moe

SUPPORT BOUT

Stanley Ketchel TKO2 Mike O'Dowd

CO-FEATURE

Jake Morrison TKO3 Wilfie Greaves

MAIN EVENT

Harry Greb SD6 Ronnie Harris

[Romdawg88]

MIKE O'DOWD (0-1-0) vs GREG MOE (0-1-0)
TONY ZALE (1-0-0) vs JAKE MORRISON (1-0-0(1))
HARRY GREB (1-0-0) vs CHARLEY BURLEY (1-0-0)

Damn, those are some damn good fights. I can't wait for this card especially Zale/Morrison that should be a war. The forums guys in the IBL aren't getting any breaks at all. I'm going to take Moe, Zale, and Greb for the win.

[kckid4u]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

MIKE O'DOWD (0-1-0) vs GREG MOE (0-1-0)
TONY ZALE (1-0-0) vs JAKE MORRISON (1-0-0(1))
HARRY GREB (1-0-0) vs CHARLEY BURLEY (1-0-0)

Damn, those are some damn good fights. I can't wait for this card especially Zale/Morrison that should be a war. The forums guys in the IBL aren't getting any breaks at all. I'm going to take Moe, Zale, and Greb for the win.

How'd I do? How'd I do?

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by kckid4u

How'd I do? How'd I do?

See posts #280 and #284.

[kenyan_cheena]

HBO SCORES A KNOCKOUT
WITH IBL COVERAGE

Tuesday 27 August 2002

Cable network Home Box Office announced this morning that approximately 15.2 million American viewers tuned in to watch last night's debut fight card of the International Boxing League. The broadcast of the event, which was held at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh has given HBO one of its largest audiences of 2002, far exceeding intital expectations.

"We would have been over the moon to get ten million," said programming director Milt Jacobs. "But 15.2? That's just fantastic."

Heavyweight Boxing Federation fight cards are broadcast on ESPN and since competition in their World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments commenced back in January the most watched fight card has been the May 31 Indiana event that featured Elmer Ray and Jimmy Young in the headlining bout. 15.6 million were watching on that night, so for the IBL to come close to that number on its debut is quite an achievement. The league's Chief Director James Molk was pleased with the news.

"I think it shows that we've promoted ourselves to the public in a really effective way," he said. "People are excited about boxing: it's a sport that on a professional level is fresh and new and exciting. We can't rest on our laurels, though. We have to keep working hard to ensure that this popularity lasts for the long term."

The card featured a sextet of intriguing matchups in the league's Middleweight division, but one of the main talking points happened after all the bouts had been fought and won. The unveiling of the schedule for series two of the North America Central region had Charley Burley and Harry Greb set to clash in five week's time. Both Pittsburgh natives and both favourites to qualify for the World Championship tournament, the bout figures to be a real blockbuster and many have said today that the series two card should also be held in Pittsburgh. Molk did not confirm whether or not that will be the case.

"It's something that actually caught us a little by surprise," he admitted. "We had planned to alternate the venues for each group as much as possible from series to series, but we'll have to consider it, no doubt."

Action in the league's first week of competition continues today with the Middleweights of Europe stepping in the ring at the Casino Di Campione in Lombardia, Italy...

[Ric915]

As always the write ups are impressive and exciting. Glad to see the IBL off and running

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Ric915

As always the write ups are impressive and exciting. Glad to see the IBL off and running

Thanks, Ric. I'm just about to start writing up the European card.

[kenyan_cheena]

EUROSMASH:
BENN AND CERDAN
STEAL THE SHOW IN ITALY

Tuesday 27 August 2002

Week one of the International Boxing League's World Championship regional qualifiers continued today with the Casino Di Campione in Lombardia, Italy hosting the opening card of the Middleweight division's European region. A healthy crowd turned out to witness the event and while Olympic gold medallist Nino Benvenuti was the headline attraction it was a pair of other competitors who really stamped their authority upon the evening.

Appearing in the fourth bout on the card, hard-hitting Englishman Nigel Benn scored a decisive 6th round KO victory over crowd favourite Oddone Piazza. The Londoner made his way to the ring in a robe of black with white trim, his knee-length trunks of the same colour, tassles running up and down the side of each leg. Benn wore an aggressive disposition, a layer of sweat coating his face, short hair tightly braided.

Benn had made the news back in May during the IBL's Manchester selection trials when members of his entourage and that of his rival Lloyd Honeyghan were involved in a brawl at the MEN Arena. By the end of the week Benn was gaining attention for more positive reasons and was named the premier Middleweight at those English trials.

Against Piazza the 24 year-old showed exactly why, flooring the Italian four times over the course of the contest. Benn had his man on the back foot from the opening bell and Piazza was down for the first time fifty seconds into round one from a stinging body shot. He was in trouble again just after the round's midpoint when Benn tagged him with a sizzling four punch combo, Piazza wrapping his opponent up desperately. Benn maintained the pressure in the 2nd, catching Piazza with a hard left hook early and another lightning combination as the round entered its second minute. Piazza was able to level the playing field somewhat but Benn ended the round strongly, a right hand catching his adversary on the chin.

For most of the next two rounds it was an even affair, Piazza appearing to find his footing in the contest. But as round four drew to a close Benn rocked his man with a smashing right hook. The punch bounced off the top of Piazza's head and he stumbled backwards into the ropes. Benn connected with a snapping cross as the round ended and the pro-Piazza crowd booed when the Englishman thumped his chest on the way back to his corner. Benn had set a cracking pace through those opening four rounds, leading one commentator at ringside to say that he'd never seen such an incredible punching display.