Phoenix Boxing Federation

[bigMatt]

BOSTON - Day 2 of the PBF tournament showcased the bottom half of the first round bracket.

Muhammad Ali v. George Rooke
A mismatch on paper, this match lived up, or more accurately, lived down to expectations. Rooke was simply no match for Ali, and it was apparent from the opening bell. Ali chased Rooke in round 1, brandishing a welt on the left side of Rooke's face before the end of the first frame. Round 2 was the last in George Rooke's short tourney experience, as a mid-round flurry by Ali dropped the hapless Rooke for the count. Ali wins by second round KO.

Teofilo Stevenson v. Billy Australian Smith
This matchup seemed on paper to be, if not an even match, at least a reasonably decent pairing. Sometimes statistics are deceiving, as this bout wasn't remotely close. Smith barely got settled in when a right hook by Stevenson floored the Australian, who could not find his legs before the referee counted him out. At 2:47 in the first, Smith lasted less than 15 seconds, victim of a KO at the hands of Teofilo Stevenson.

Jim Corbett v. James Dalton
James Dalton was the big crowd favorite tonight, a serious underdog with middling talent but a big heart. Unfortunately for "The Captain", he was matched up against a true ring General in Corbett, who possesses surpassing skills in the pugilistic arts. This fight went the distance, but in the 10 rounds, Dalton found few chances to deliver any damage to Gentleman Jim. Corbett danced around Dalton's best efforts, and consistently delivered scoring blows to his inferior opponent throughout the contest. At the end of 10, it was an easy unanimous decision for Corbett.

Joe Choynski v. Dominic McCaffrey
This bout turned out to be everything fans expected it to be: close; action packed, and unpredictable right to the finish.

"The Chrysanthemum", as Choynski is affectionately known, began the contest in fine form, with a lively attack that left McCaffrey consistently on the defensive through the first round. But McCaffrey bounced back to pound Choynski in turn in round 2. Choynski went on the attack again in round 3, and appeared to build momentum through rounds 4 and 5. By the end of round 5, McCaffrey sported an ugly welt under his left eye courtesy of Choynski,and old Joe appeared to enjoy a commanding lead. McCaffrey came out in round 6 with guns blazing, intent on squaring a match that appeared to be slipping away from him. Taking the fight to Choynski, McCaffrey applied the leather in earnest in an all out KO effort. With a minute gone in the round, a winging right by McCaffrey caught Choynski flush on the chin and down he went, remaining prone until the count of 8. Choynski rose to McCaffrey's renewed onslaught, only to hit the canvas a second time for another 8 count. Somehow, Choynski climbed the ropes to face his challenger once again, and gutted out the remainder of the round. Round 7 found Choynski with renewed vigor, chasing McCaffrey around the ring as his opponent attempted to find his second wind. Rounds 8 through 10 were toss-up rounds, as each fighter gave as good as he received. The decision went to the judges, and in a close result, each gave a narrow nod to Dominic McCaffrey in a mild upset. McCaffrey moves on to face Jim Corbett in round 2.

[bigMatt]

Round 2 results tomorrow.

The matches:

Dick Matthews v. Tom Sayers
Jimmy Elliot v. Joe Goss
James Corbett v. Dominic McCaffrey
Muhammad Ali v. Teofilo Stevenson

[Romdawg88]

It's been a great tournment so far. Looking forward to the next round.

[bigMatt]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

It's been a great tournment so far. Looking forward to the next round.

Thanks for reading Romy! Yeah, it has been a fun tourney so far - some pretty good talent in the division. We'll see how round 2 goes.

[bigMatt]

The second round in the Phoenix Boxing Federation's first Heavyweight championship tournament continues with round 2.

Dick Matthews v. Tom Sayers
In their first PBF meeting, Tom Sayers showed up grossly overweight and Dick Matthews took him apart in a 9 round TKO. The results surprised many boxing fans, who expected an even contest between the two. After all, both are similar boxers, each possessing solid ring skills and a lights out knockout punch.

For today's bout, Sayers has shown up in top form, obviously eager to wipe out the memory of his March matchup with "The Pacific Coast Wonder". Matthews, for his part, enters the ring in perfect shape, no doubt focused on taking care of business.

From the start of round 1, it appears that Sayers has chosen the part of aggressor, charging his opponent at the opening bell and keeping him on the defensive throughout the frame. By the end of round 1, Sayers had delivered at least 4 times the punishment of Matthews to easily capture the first frame.

Round 2 began as round 1 ended, and already a mouse had begun to form under the left eye of Matthews. But Matthews did not earn top seed by being a punching bag and midway through the round a sizzling left knocked considerable steam from the hard charging Sayers. Round 2 ended with both fighters toe-to-toe at ring center, letting the bombs fly to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Round 3, the last of this action packed contest, started a bit more cautiously as each fighter probed for a way in. With just under a minute gone in the round, Matthews landed the first meaningful blow, sending Sayers backward with a sharp combination. Matthews pressed his advantage and it became apparent rather quickly that Sayers was definitely hurt. Sayers backpeddled and managed to duck past several ill-intentioned salvos before Matthews struck paydirt again with a strong cross. As Sayers tried to blink away the effects of the damaging blow, Matthews delivered the coup de grace, a wild overhand right that sent Sayers eyes rolling skyward and his toes pointing to heaven. Sayers never even stirred from the canvas until moments after the count of 10 had been administered. Dick Matthews advances with a 3rd round KO of Tom Sayers.

[bigMatt]

The second round in the Phoenix Boxing Federation's first Heavyweight championship tournament continues with round 2.

Muhammad Ali v. Teofilo Stevenson
Every fighter hoped to avoid Ali in this tournament. But to win the event, the path almost certainly would go through Ali sooner or later. For Stevenson, whose heartbreak loss to Dick Matthews in a PBF bout last month dropped him down to 7th seed, his appointment with Ali was a 12 round matchup in round two of the tourney.

The fighters entered the ring in good shape, although Ali was said to have been undertrained for today's contest. When the bout started, the rumor appeared to be validated, as a sluggish Ali seemed slow on the draw time and again. Stevenson scored frequently and at will early in the contest, catching Ali with power shots at an alarming frequency. After the first 4 frames were in the books, anyone but the most optimistic Ali supporter would give Ali more than a minimal chance against the dominating Stevenson.

In round 5, ringsiders noted a rising lump under the left eye of Ali, a knot of swelling that continued to grow over the next three rounds as Stevenson repeatedly targeted it. In rounds 6 and 7, Ali rallied, showing the heart of a champion even as his endurance continued to languish.

Stevenson returned to form in round 8, continuing to target the now ugly mass of swelling under Ali's left eye. Ali appeared fatigued, a tired and beaten fighter.

Round 9 began as round 8 ended, with Stevenson imposing his will on Ali, who held his opponent whenever possible and employed his superior defense to minimize the damage caused by Stevenson's assault. Stevenson was looking to end the fight right then, going for a bout-ending KO to ensure no shenanigans on the Judges' part. But by mid round, it was evident that Stevenson was tiring, his punches lacking the steam of earlier rounds. It's a dangerous time for a fighter when he seeks a KO yet no longer has the energy to pursue it with vigor. He tends to get careless, especially when his opponent offers minimal resistance. It was just such a moment in the bout for Stevenson, who came at Ali intending to put his opponent on the canvas. But it was also the moment Ali was evidently awaiting, for as Stevenson swung, Ali unleashed a crippling uppercut straight to the chin of the Cuban, who dropped to the mat as if poleaxed. Fans sat in stunned silence as Stevenson, leading handily on all cards through the first 8 rounds, was counted out at 1:02 in round 9.

With the KO victory, Ali escapes the impressive Stevenson to await the victor of the Corbett/McCaffrey battle.

[CONN CHRIS]

The fight that almost was - wasn't Stevenson offered $5M to turn pro and face Ali?

[Romdawg88]

Ouch that hurts but thats what happens when you get careless around a guy like Ali.

[bigMatt]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

The fight that almost was - wasn't Stevenson offered $5M to turn pro and face Ali?

Yep, but Stevenson turned it down - something about what is $5 million dollars compared to his love of 5 million Cubans.

I'm old enough to remember Stevenson pretty well, who won 3 Olympic golds, and probably would have won a 4th if the Cubans hadn't boycotted the LA Olympics in 84. He whipped US Gold Medal winner Tyrell Biggs earlier that year, if I recall correctly, so he no doubt would have done well.

No one will every really know how well he would have done as a pro, but it sure would have been interesting to see Stevenson in the mix with Ali, Frazier, Norton, Foreman and Holmes hanging around.

[bigMatt]

The second round in the Phoenix Boxing Federation's first Heavyweight championship tournament continues with round 2. The winner of this match will face Muhammad Ali in the next round of tournament action.

James Corbett v. Dominic McCaffrey
James Corbett enters today's contest with a flawless 15-0-0 record, each of the 15 bouts going the distance. Dominic McCaffrey sports a 15-1-0 (3) record himself, his only loss occuring prior to his entry into the Phoenix Boxing Federation.

Each fighter comes into the bout in perfect shape, as would be expected given their reputations. Both are considered solid defensemen and ring tacticians, with Corbett recognized as the better of the two, and perhaps the best in the entire PBF. Neither fighter is known for his power, although McCaffrey can bring it when he needs to. Corbett, based on his superior skills, has been installed as the 2-1 favorite in today's match.

The fight begins with each feeling the other out, a dance that would continue through the first 5 rounds of the contest. Those who appreciate a chess match in the boxing ring would be most intrigued by the battle waged between Corbett and McCaffrey. Those expecting a bloodbath or bombfest were sorely disappointed.

By the end of round 5, ringside expert Michael Hanson had the fight dead even, with rounds 1 and 3 going to Corbett, 2 and 4 going to McCaffrey, and round 5 a 10-10 dead heat. But what the scorecard did not show is that McCaffrey's punches were the heavier, and as round 6 began, the wear began to show in Corbett's manner. Rounds 6-8 belonged to McCaffrey, who now began to beat the tiring Corbett to the punch, discovering cracks in his opponent's seemingly inpenetrable armor.

In round 9, it appeared Corbett had found his second wind, and an aggressive Corbett began to coax a knot under the left eye of McCaffrey. Round 10 was virtually identical to 9, with Corbett the aggressor, and McCaffrey protecting the blossoming contusion on the left side of his face.

With the fight likely knotted or nearly so at the outset of round 11, McCaffrey decided to go all out, his endurance nearly at its end. Corbett began in the aggressive style that served him well in rounds 9 and 10. With 15 seconds gone in the round, a clean, short right cross caught Corbett flush, and he dropped like he'd been shot. The referee reached 8 before Corbett could get to his feet, and his struggle for survival began. McCaffrey knew he had almost 2 and a half minutes to finish Corbett, and poured it on with everything he had. It was during this time that Corbett showed the crowd exactly why he is considered the pre-eminant defender in the PBF, as time and again he dodged McCaffrey's salvos. In fact, by the end of the round, the slippery Corbett had managed to avoid any further damage from McCaffrey's barrage.

Round 12 found the recently-downed Corbett in surprisingly better shape than his opponent. It was evident that McCaffrey had punched himself out the previous round in a vain attempt to ground his adversary. However, Corbett knew he was in dire need of at least a knockdown if he were to come out on top. The final round began with an urgent Corbett taking the fight to McCaffrey. Once Corbett was confident that McCaffrey no longer had anything left in the tank, he set about in earnest to dispatch his opponent, taking particular note of the massive swelling under McCaffrey's left eye. McCaffrey, for his part, draped his arms around a disgusted Corbett time and again, trying to slow his advances. The fight had a little over a minute to go when Corbett had McCaffrey in his sites for one final pasting. Corbett manuevered McCaffrey into his corner and landed a crushing cross, bouncing McCaffrey into the ropes. Corbett followed up with a short hook to the chest, then a wicked combination that nearly sends McCaffrey to the floor. McCaffrey desperately clutched onto Corbett, requiring the referee to step in. By now, Corbett, too, was exhausted, and as the final seconds ticked away, grabbed hold of McCaffrey to keep himself upright. The crowd cheered a great bout as each man raised a weary arm of acknowledgement.

The judges cards reflected the close nature of the bout. Judge Angel Tovar had the bout 115-113, Judge Moo-Hoo Moon had the bout 115-113, and Judge Lou Filippo had the bout 116-112 for the winner, Dominic McCaffrey. With the victory, McCaffrey goes on to face Ali in round 3.

[Romdawg88]

Great fight there, man Corbett came so close to getting that knockdown he needed.

[bigMatt]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Great fight there, man Corbett came so close to getting that knockdown he needed.

Every fight in round 2 was a helluva bout. No question. This one was in doubt right up until the judges cards were revealed. With McCaffrey being a UoLBA stalwart, I will admit rooting for him, but you had to admire Corbett's scrapiness at the end. I'll bet if these guys fought 10 times, it would be something like 5-5.

[bigMatt]

Joe Goss v. Jimmy Elliot
In a round of close contests, this one ranked among the best specatator bouts in round 2.

Rumor swirled prior to today's fight that Jimmy Elliot had strayed from the straight and narrow, concluding his training early each day to hoist a few pints at Boston's seedier establishments. In fact, sources indicate that an altercation on fight's eve at the neighborhood pub included not only Elliot's entourage, but Elliot himself in a lively donnybrook.

The fighters enter the ring for today's bout ready to wage war. Joe Goss is in excellent shape, as is customary for him. Elliot looks a bit like he has fallen from the wrong side of bed, appearing to validate the rumors that preceded his arrival to the ring.

In round 1, it is Elliot, despite his bedraggled appearance, who becomes the aggressor, taking the fight to Joe Goss. Goss parries effectively, but Elliot gets the better of him throughout the round, taking the first stanza conclusively.

Joe Goss, who seemed to have experienced a revival in the first round of this tourney by taking apart the powerful Herbert Slade, recovered in round 2 adjusting to Elliot's junkyard dog fighting style. It's a close round, but Goss lands the better punches to steal round 2.

Round 3 is all Elliot again, as his desperate street-fighting style gives Goss fits as Goss tries to adapt. By the end of the round, Elliot already appears to be flagging just a bit, obviously a symptom of his training regimen.

Round 4 finds Goss the aggressor, with the previously-impressive Elliot retreating from his opponent's unending barrage. From the 4th through the 7th rounds, the fight belongs to Goss, who hits his opponent again and again with an impressive arsenal of punches. Elliot begins to look like his entire night's efforts were showcased in rounds 1-3, his face a bloody testimonial to Goss' fisticular superioirity.

The beginning of round 8 finds Jimmy Elliot bleeding from three different wounds inflicted by his opponent, his face looking as though he shaved with razor wire this morning. In round 8, Elliot has found his second wind, and the Irishman pummels his opponent from the outset, handily taking the round. Round 9 is a carbon copy of 8, and fans of Jimmy Elliot now see the boxer they have come to love. Goss is staggered time and again by power shots from Elliot as the Irishman chases the Britisher all over the ring. Several times it looks as though Goss will be forced to the canvas, but an impressive mix of moxy and will keeps him from doing so.

Round 10 finds both fighters still upright and ready to pursue his foe. But desperation was on the side of Jimmy Elliot, whose bloody countenance revealed several weeping cuts from the damaging blows of Joe Goss. Round 10 found both fighters occupying ring center, Elliot looking to drop his opponent, Goss, content to work on the various injuries evident on the face of Elliot. In mid-round, the referee stopped the action to confer with the ringside doctor concerning Elliot's condition. The doctor, after closely inspecting Elliot's various injuries, decided to let the bout continue. Elliot went right back to work on Goss, ultimately winning the round but not the match with a consistent and impressive attack.

By round 11, the winner was still in doubt, although Goss' early superiority had to make him the leader going into the round. Elliot's corner thought so too, employing a KO approach to the 11th frame, the next-to-last-round of the bout.

Round 11 began much like rounds 9 and 10, with Elliot the aggressor. Jimmy Elliot obviously knew that the bout remained in doubt, and he was hoping to end it in the 11th with his superior strength and tenacity. But Joe Goss was no shrinking violet himself, and after some early defeats in the PBF, he was intent on rehabbing his reputation in the PBF. Round 11 found Goss as active as Elliot, the two going at each other in ring center to the delight of the capacity throng in attendance.

By mid-round, ringsiders could see an ugly swelling under the eye of Joe Goss, who was beginning to feel the same urgency as Elliot. At the same time, blood continued to cascade from various wounds on Elliot's face: his left eye, his nose, and his lip. Elliot poured it on, and it looked like Goss might be ready to hit the canvas at any time. But a solid cross by Goss pushed Elliot's nose to a frightful angle, and blood poured again from the bridge of the Irishman's nose in a claret cascade. The referee stopped the action again at 2:04 in the round to consult the ring physician a second time. The doctor had seen enough, ceasing the action due to cuts, and awarding the match to Joe Goss.

Jimmy Elliot was furious, feeling as though he had enough left to finish off Goss before the bout ended. Many fans in attendance thought so too, as is evidenced by the lusty boos that accompanied the decision.

Checking the judges scorecards at the point of fight stoppage, two judges had the fight an even 95-95 after 10, and one had it 96-94 for Elliot. Given that Elliot was en route to likely capturing the 11th round, it appeared that the Irishman was right in suggesting he would have won had the bout continued.

However, no one could rightly fault the ring physician, given the copious bleeding wounds evident on the face of Elliot. Nor could anyone rightly conclude that Goss was undeserving of the victory, given his unending barrage - targeting Elliot's myriad wounds, and his unflagging aggression against an impressive foe.

With the victory, Joe Goss advances to face Dick Matthews in the finals of the PBF heavyweight tourney.

[Romdawg88]

Damn, tough break for Elliot there. So far this tournment has blown away the UoLBA tournment. Just some amazing stuff so far, hopefully the rest of the tournment lives up to everything that has happened already.

[bigMatt]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Damn, tough break for Elliot there. So far this tournment has blown away the UoLBA tournment. Just some amazing stuff so far, hopefully the rest of the tournment lives up to everything that has happened already.

This has been an exceptionally fun tourney, no doubt. There wasn't a bad fight in round 2, and now we are down to 4:

Muhammad Ali v. Dominic McCaffrey

and

Dick Matthews v. Joe Goss

Some solid foes have fallen by the wayside. I have a particular affinity for Jimmy Elliot, who seems to have been a pretty tough customer when he was in fighting condition in his prime.

Several stories I read about Elliot since starting my respective universes underscore his reputation:

1) Elliot served time for robbery and assault in his youth. When he was released from prison, he vyed for the American Heavyweight Championship. Such notables as Joe Coburn and Bill Davis refused to fight him. Davis finally agreed to fight Elliot, and was knocked out at Point Pele, Lake Erie, Canada, on May 10, 1867.

2) As North American HW Champ, Jimmy Elliot faced John J. Dwyer for the Heavyweight title of North America (prior to the ascendancy of John L. Sullivan). Dwyer was taking the Irishman apart in the early going, so Elliot soaked his fists in turpentine between rounds, blinding Dwyer with the substance and beating his opponent bloody for a couple of rounds. Dwyer finally washed the turpentine out of his eyes and went on to punch the crap out of Elliot to take the title.

3) An aging Jimmy Elliot was an early victim of John L. Sullivan. I can't find where I originally read it, but Elliot as I recall died violently a couple of months later, the victim of a fatal gunshot from a gambler at a Chicago saloon.

[Romdawg88]

Ha, sounds like quite the character. I really love that second story thats just so cheap and dirty it kicks ass.

[bigMatt]

Seeds 1 and 2 are still active as the PBF advances to the final round.

Dick Matthews v. Joe Goss

Both fighters come into the fight in fighting form. Matthews, the #1 seed, is readly to test his mettle against Joe Goss, the resurgent kid from across the pond. Goss if you remember, won a close bout to brawling Irishman Jimmy Elliot last week in Boston. Matthews won a quick but bloody war from American Tom Sayers.

Round 1 opened with the number 1 seed showing how he earned the prime spot in the PBF tourney, his superior power displayed for all to see against the reactive Britisher. At the end of the frame, Matthews carried the day in the hearts and minds of all witnesses, winning the round handily.

Round 2, Matthews again dominates. With 27 seconds gone in the round, a concussive uppercut floors Goss, who jumps to his feet immediately to take the mandatory 8 count. Matthews pursues his hurt opponent, pounding him again and again until the barrage sends Goss to the canvas again at 1:42 in the round. This time, Goss climbs to his feet at the count of 9. Somehow, the Britisher withstands "The Pacific Coast Wonder"'s barrage and remains upright to end the round.

Round 3 again belongs again to Matthews, but not so decisively. Joe Goss has kept his defensive posture and withstood Matthew's best efforts. By the end of the round, Goss looks as though he's rekindled his own interest in advancing.

Rounds 4-8 are toss up rounds. Matthews is probably the winner in most if not all of these 3 minute frames, but Goss is now holding his own, and Matthews no longer expects the easy victory.

Round 9 - the urgency is apparent in Goss' approach as he takes the action to Matthews. At 2:48 in the round, Goss delivers a wicked cross to his American opponent, who folds like an accordion. At the count of 4, Matthews struggles vainly to arise. Goss supporters scream in anticipation as the count continues. Somehow Matthews regains his feet at the count of 8 to continue the bout. This fight is going to be allowed to continue. However, one has to just wonder how much more punishment Matthews can take.

Round 10 is a close round. Matthews is warned for a phantom low blow midway through the round. Goss believes he has won the frame.

Matthews starts round 11 with an evident desire to end the match. He is headhunting and Goss is his intended target. At 2:05, Matthews hits paydirt, sending Goss reeling to the canvas for the third time in the match. Goss gets to his feet, but he knows that the bout is over unless he can dispatch his opponent before the final bell.

Round 12 finds both fighters in ring center. One has to wonder what Matthews is doing going for the knockout with such a big lead. It must be the fighter's own pride in play, as a Cover Up strategy would be more propitious at this point. The two warriors trade salvos throughout the final frame. Goss wings a right that hurts Matthews, but the American lobs a bomb that staggers Goss in turn. The fight ends with both fighters slugging it out at ring center, to a delirious chorus from the surrounding throng.

The ubiquitous Lou Fillippo scores the bout 117-109. Chuck Hassett scores it 115-109 and judge Jose Martinez tabs it 116-108 for the winner, Dick Matthews.

Matthews will go on to face the winner of the Ali v. McCaffrey match beginning shortly.

[mh2365]

Matthews is 15-5 in the LBA still at pre-prime not ranked very high due to a bad loss here and there.

His losses have been to Mace, Choynski, Lang, Jim McCormick (bad loss), and Hank Griffin .... mccormick was the only one that was also pre-prime. He was 8-0 when he lost his first fight, that was before I started hand holding the undefeated fighters. My hope for him is he has an easy next 5 fights then gets to prime and starts moving up.

His other problem is my HW division is very talented right now with 13 fighters rated 9 or above. Then 10 fighters including Matthews at 8. But there is a little relief as there is only 1 8 rated fighter on the horizon and none higher. (in club and beginner division)

Good stuff Matt keep it up.

[bigMatt]

Originally Posted by mh2365

Matthews is 15-5 in the LBA still at pre-prime not ranked very high due to a bad loss here and there.

His losses have been to Mace, Choynski, Lang, Jim McCormick (bad loss), and Hank Griffin .... mccormick was the only one that was also pre-prime. He was 8-0 when he lost his first fight, that was before I started hand holding the undefeated fighters. My hope for him is he has an easy next 5 fights then gets to prime and starts moving up.

His other problem is my HW division is very talented right now with 13 fighters rated 9 or above. Then 10 fighters including Matthews at 8. But there is a little relief as there is only 1 8 rated fighter on the horizon and none higher. (in club and beginner division)

Good stuff Matt keep it up.

Thanks Mike, all the fighters in the PBF are all pre-prime, as is Matthews. I'm surprised how dominating he's been, although I guess he was pretty dominating in the 1850's.

I could see where a wealth of solid fighters would give Matthews problems. first, he is a slugger who doesn't always come in at top form, and second, his defense is less than stellar.

He has a date with the winner of the Ali/McCaffrey bout, and if it is Ali, it will be a big upset if he wins. Even with McCaffrey, he will face the best defenseman he's seen since his PBF entry.

One of the best things about running a uni is you start learning about a fighter. Matthews was basically an unknown prior to his entry in the UoLBA then again in the PBF. I'm hoping he continues his dominance but I have some skepticism that he will retain his undefeated record.

[bigMatt]

Muhammad Ali v. Dominic McCaffrey
Dominic McCaffrey has been an underdog since the beginning of the tournament. Climbing over higher ranked opponents Joe Choynski and James Corbett, McCaffrey has proven his mettle. For him, those accomplishments pale compared to tonight's challenge - a battle with tourney favorite Muhammad Ali.

Ali had a tough time of things in round 2, outboxed most of the evening by Cuban hopeful Teofilo Stevenson. But it was Stevenson's carelessness in the late going that led to his downfall, as a wily Ali waited in the weeds until the right moment, unleashing a shot that sent Stevenson straight to dreamland. The victory, while not a pretty one for Ali, proved once again that he not only had the skills to box with the best in the PBF, he also possessed the power to turn the lights out on anyone unfortunate enough to taste his best shots.

Both Ali and McCaffrey come into tonight's bout in excellent form. McCaffrey will not enjoy the same advantage Stevenson did, when an undertrained Ali failed to bring his A-game to the event.

Round 1 begins with both fighters trying to outmanuever the other, and neither scoring any telling blows. Ali scored a bit higher with several pit-a-pat exchanges to narrowly take the frame in the eyes of most at ringside.

Round 2 could only be considered a draw, as once again, neither fighter carved out any distinct advantage.

Beginning in round 3, Ali started to pull away from the game but overmatched McCaffrey. While McCaffrey held his own from rounds 3 through 8, Ali was at the top of his form. A couple of close rounds could be considered McCaffrey's, but most saw a clean sweep for Ali. By the end of round 8, McCaffrey's face told the tale of the contest, a mass of swelling apparent under his right eye.

In round 9, McCaffrey began to abandon his defensive game plan and press for the advantage. Ali was stung by the surging McCaffrey, and the assault opened a cut over Ali's left eye. Ali assumed a defensive posture throughout the round, which was handily won by McCaffrey.

At the beginning of round 10, McCaffrey began to show more desperation. A wild right caught Ali and a follow-up combination staggered him to the roar of the crowd. Ali covered up to prevent further damage from McCaffrey's barrage, but a sweet uppercut by McCaffrey sent Ali backward into the ropes. McCaffrey pressed his advantage, sending a jab to the chest of Ali and a crushing hook to the side of Ali's head. Ali's footwork is all that saved him at this point, as he dodged several power shots from his opponent. The round ended with Ali still upright, but with McCaffrey taking the round.

Round 11 found McCaffrey headhunting again, fearing that anything less than a knockdown would bring him up short in tonight's contest. An exchange at ring center goes McCaffrey's way, as a right to Ali's chin buckles his knees once again. McCaffrey waded in with a brutal combination that would have dropped a lesser man, but Ali absorbed the blows. With Ali retreating, McCaffrey went in for the kill, putting everything he had left into an assault on his opponent. In a neutral corner, McCaffrey assailed his opponent: a jab to the midsection, a winging right to the head. Ali moved with the assault of McCaffrey, ducking the worst blows and catching the rest. When the bell sounded in round 11, Ali remained standing. McCaffrey, a weary but impressive aggressor, won round 11 going away.

Round 12 - McCaffrey goes all out for the knockout. Without at least a knockdown, he fears the fight is lost. McCaffrey is wild with his opening salvo. Ali grabs and holds on until forced to break. McCaffrey swings again and Ali clinches, pinning McCaffrey's arms to his side. Ali pops McCaffrey in the nose and then grabs ahold once again. McCaffrey tries to free himself but must again wait for the referee's intercession. McCaffrey swings and misses yet again, and Ali clinches. The bell rings on an anticlimactic round, one won on points by Ali.

The fight goes to the score cards. Judge Joaquim Josephson scores it 118-111, Judge Juan Morales scores it 117-112 and judge Luis Pabon scores it 117-112 for the victor, Muhammad Ali.