The Federal Boxing Alliance

[GForce]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

I'm also looking forward to Ali-Lewis.

You've already had so many great fights in the post-tournament months of the FBA, and this one looks like being the best of the lot.

Great stuff, GForce.

Should be a fun one...also have several very interesting non-title bouts this month. Hamed/Pacquiao, Bowe/Terrell among them.

I'm glad the post-tourney FBA is keeping interest. I'm enjoying it, and the new game, very much. It's been a smooth, entertaining transition.

GH

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by GForce

So, yes, it's guts by Ali. But it's not really guts on Lennox's part...he'd be foolish to pass up the opportunity. And he's built such an impressive resume with the way he ran through the WBO that even if he loses, his performance points total will keep him in a Top 5 ranking regardless.



GH

Ok good point there.

[GForce]

April Title Fight Recaps

IBF Light-Heavyweight Title Fight: Virgil Hill (5-0, 1 KO) vs Oscar Rivadeneyra (0-2)

The April title fight schedule opens up with the unexciting but unquestionably effective Virgil Hill defending his gold against Rivadeneyra. As is often the case with guys in the heavier weight classes who are defense-first/safety-first fighters, Hill's fights often lack the thrill factor, excluding his first defense against Clinton Woods. But they usually end in his favor. This was no different. Rivadeneyra forces the issue in the opening round aggressively, and it's clear Hill is not comfortable with it. But Hill quickly takes control, and the pick-apart is on. Rivadeneyra would threaten in the 8th, rattling Hill with successive hooks that knocked him into the ropes. But a counter flurry from Hill ripped open a cut over Rivadeneyra's left eye, and that halted the onslaught. Hill would cruise the rest of the way to a unanimous decision, 149-136, 148-137, 148-137.

Virgil Hill UD 15 Oscar Rivadeneyra

WBC Jr. Bantamweight Title Fight: Johnny Tapia (1-1) vs Willie Jensen (2-1-1)

Given that it is still unclear exactly where Tapia was during a his year of missing in action, it is not only stunning that he returned to take the belt off the waist of the tough Gilberto Roman, but it's even more puzzling that he would then, barely a month later, agree to get back in the ring again to defend that belt. Only problem...Tapia's camp reportedly didn't see him between winning the belt and a week before the fight with Jensen.

Jensen's an interesting customer. A defensive fighter whose offense is thought not have enough pop to damage a top contender, he can make an opponent look silly and very frustrated. If he sticks and moves, he's tough to beat, though his title run in the tournament was ended in the semifinal at the hands of Roman, who took a unanimous decision.

His intention here was very clear...Tapia was out of camp and not in prime shape, between the battle with Roman and his out-of-ring shenanigans, whatever they may be. So Jensen wanted to make him move and make him work, rather than make it easy for him.

A little more than a minute in, though, the best laid plans got laid out flat. Tapia grazed Jensen with a wild overhand right, but as Jensen righted himself from the dodge, he leaned right into a hook that put him down. He rose quickly, and smothered Tapia for the duration. But the enigmatic Tapia, perhaps so well trained for the Roman battle that his lack of preparation for this bout wouldn't matter, looked on the road to a successful defense.

It was less than 30 seconds into round 2 that Jensen ripped a hook across Tapia's face, and blood followed quickly. Lots of it. Tapia knew it, flurrying wildly at Jensen, who deftly dodged the shots and landed a combination in return. Tapia though was ferocious, sensing his trouble, and drilled Jensen with an excellent combination, only to have Jensen wrap him around the waist. Tapia complained vehemently, and it was clear he was rattled. Jensen was dodging him effectively, picking him with his jab and keeping out of range.

The third was uneventful, but allowed Tapia's cut - over his left eyebrow - to close. That would be undone in the 4th, when Jensen would attack midway through the round and catch Tapia with a combination that reopened the wound. The blood flowed freely again, and Tapia spent much of the next 1:30 pawing at it while Jensen kept his jab in his face.

The fifth was another, even, moderate action round before the 6th, where Tapia tried to take the fight to the phone booth. They clashed heads, seemingly instigated by Tapia and a foolish move given his injury. But he seemed to be trying to do anything to get Jensen to stay still. But Jensen landed several quick shots in close before creating distance again and making Tapia chase. There's a real speed difference here, and it's clear Jensen's style is posing a problem - perhaps as much as the eye, or exacerbated by Tapia's skipping camp.

An even 7th before Jensen bids to steal an even 8th with a furious barrage in the final 30 seconds. Tapia's eye is swelling more, though the wound is barely trickling at this point.

That would change, again, early in the 9th, as Jensen - sensing Tapia's reluctance to expose the cut - attacked early. And a hook/jab combination found the mark, reopening the gash again. The bout is stopped briefly, infuriating Jensen, to have the cut checked. The physician gives Tapia the quick go ahead, and the action resumes. Tapia is throwing ... a lot, as he has much of the fight, but he can't penetrate Jensen consistently.

Perhaps a headbutt will change things. Tapia is warned, but shockingly not docked a point, early in the 10th, with what seemed to everyone in the building to be a blatant foul. Jensen wasn't cut, but was irate, and he nearly pushed ref Roberto Ramirez out of the way to get at Tapia. Order would soon be restored, and Tapia would experience a momentum shift, but it would be brief. Jensen would rake him again, the briefly closed cut flowing again. Again, in the closing seconds, the doctor would look at the cut. And, again, Tapia would be given the go-ahead.

Rounds 11 and 12 were even, but as many rounds had appeared during the fight, they seemed more toward Jensen, as it was him dictating the pace. He was the one flustering Tapia, so although their scoring blows were similar, Tapia was missing in abundance, and looking awkward doing so. Would that counter the advantage of the champion with the judges. Does Tapia, given all his baggage, even have such an advantage?

The 13th sees Jensen open up a bit more, perhaps fearing he can't take a decision. But it's effective, Tapia working with half an eye and an obviously frazzled mind. He was in the odd situation of not being dominated, yet being embarrassed. Late in the round, the cut flows again, and again the ref stops it. Jensen nearly bursts a blood vessel at this point, wondering how many free breaks Tapia's going to get. As was the case in the 10th, the pause came late, but it had now happened several times and Jensen and his corner had had enough.

Roughly a minute into the 14th, so had the ringside physician. In a shocking turn of events - and one with a questionable fallout - Willie Jensen has captured the WBC Jr. Bantamweight title. He was up on all cards at the time of the stoppage, 126-120, 124-123, 125-124.

The dilemma here is, Gilberto Roman had a rematch clause with Tapia. FBA's standard title contract has this, but allows the new champion to defend once in the interim. So now, Tapia has a rematch clause with Jensen. But Roman was supposed to get a shot to get his belt back. The postfight assumption was that Tapia will fight Roman, with the winner fighting Jensen - assuming he holds on in his interim defense should he choose to make one - but nothing is set as of yet.

Still, at this point, all that is certain is that Willie Jensen IS the new champion.

Willie Jensen TKO 14 (cuts) Johnny Tapia

GH

[meade95]

Originally Posted by GForce

April Title Fight Recaps

IBF Light-Heavyweight Title Fight: Virgil Hill (5-0, 1 KO) vs Oscar Rivadeneyra (0-2)

The April title fight schedule opens up with the unexciting but unquestionably effective Virgil Hill defending his gold against Rivadeneyra. As is often the case with guys in the heavier weight classes who are defense-first/safety-first fighters, Hill's fights often lack the thrill factor, excluding his first defense against Clinton Woods. But they usually end in his favor. This was no different. Rivadeneyra forces the issue in the opening round aggressively, and it's clear Hill is not comfortable with it. But Hill quickly takes control, and the pick-apart is on. Rivadeneyra would threaten in the 8th, rattling Hill with successive hooks that knocked him into the ropes. But a counter flurry from Hill ripped open a cut over Rivadeneyra's left eye, and that halted the onslaught. Hill would cruise the rest of the way to a unanimous decision, 149-136, 148-137, 148-137.

Virgil Hill UD 15 Oscar Rivadeneyra

WBC Jr. Bantamweight Title Fight: Johnny Tapia (1-1) vs Willie Jensen (2-1-1)

Given that it is still unclear exactly where Tapia was during a his year of missing in action, it is not only stunning that he returned to take the belt off the waist of the tough Gilberto Roman, but it's even more puzzling that he would then, barely a month later, agree to get back in the ring again to defend that belt. Only problem...Tapia's camp reportedly didn't see him between winning the belt and a week before the fight with Jensen.

Jensen's an interesting customer. A defensive fighter whose offense is thought not have enough pop to damage a top contender, he can make an opponent look silly and very frustrated. If he sticks and moves, he's tough to beat, though his title run in the tournament was ended in the semifinal at the hands of Roman, who took a unanimous decision.

His intention here was very clear...Tapia was out of camp and not in prime shape, between the battle with Roman and his out-of-ring shenanigans, whatever they may be. So Jensen wanted to make him move and make him work, rather than make it easy for him.

A little more than a minute in, though, the best laid plans got laid out flat. Tapia grazed Jensen with a wild overhand right, but as Jensen righted himself from the dodge, he leaned right into a hook that put him down. He rose quickly, and smothered Tapia for the duration. But the enigmatic Tapia, perhaps so well trained for the Roman battle that his lack of preparation for this bout wouldn't matter, looked on the road to a successful defense.

It was less than 30 seconds into round 2 that Jensen ripped a hook across Tapia's face, and blood followed quickly. Lots of it. Tapia knew it, flurrying wildly at Jensen, who deftly dodged the shots and landed a combination in return. Tapia though was ferocious, sensing his trouble, and drilled Jensen with an excellent combination, only to have Jensen wrap him around the waist. Tapia complained vehemently, and it was clear he was rattled. Jensen was dodging him effectively, picking him with his jab and keeping out of range.

The third was uneventful, but allowed Tapia's cut - over his left eyebrow - to close. That would be undone in the 4th, when Jensen would attack midway through the round and catch Tapia with a combination that reopened the wound. The blood flowed freely again, and Tapia spent much of the next 1:30 pawing at it while Jensen kept his jab in his face.

The fifth was another, even, moderate action round before the 6th, where Tapia tried to take the fight to the phone booth. They clashed heads, seemingly instigated by Tapia and a foolish move given his injury. But he seemed to be trying to do anything to get Jensen to stay still. But Jensen landed several quick shots in close before creating distance again and making Tapia chase. There's a real speed difference here, and it's clear Jensen's style is posing a problem - perhaps as much as the eye, or exacerbated by Tapia's skipping camp.

An even 7th before Jensen bids to steal an even 8th with a furious barrage in the final 30 seconds. Tapia's eye is swelling more, though the wound is barely trickling at this point.

That would change, again, early in the 9th, as Jensen - sensing Tapia's reluctance to expose the cut - attacked early. And a hook/jab combination found the mark, reopening the gash again. The bout is stopped briefly, infuriating Jensen, to have the cut checked. The physician gives Tapia the quick go ahead, and the action resumes. Tapia is throwing ... a lot, as he has much of the fight, but he can't penetrate Jensen consistently.

Perhaps a headbutt will change things. Tapia is warned, but shockingly not docked a point, early in the 10th, with what seemed to everyone in the building to be a blatant foul. Jensen wasn't cut, but was irate, and he nearly pushed ref Roberto Ramirez out of the way to get at Tapia. Order would soon be restored, and Tapia would experience a momentum shift, but it would be brief. Jensen would rake him again, the briefly closed cut flowing again. Again, in the closing seconds, the doctor would look at the cut. And, again, Tapia would be given the go-ahead.

Rounds 11 and 12 were even, but as many rounds had appeared during the fight, they seemed more toward Jensen, as it was him dictating the pace. He was the one flustering Tapia, so although their scoring blows were similar, Tapia was missing in abundance, and looking awkward doing so. Would that counter the advantage of the champion with the judges. Does Tapia, given all his baggage, even have such an advantage?

The 13th sees Jensen open up a bit more, perhaps fearing he can't take a decision. But it's effective, Tapia working with half an eye and an obviously frazzled mind. He was in the odd situation of not being dominated, yet being embarrassed. Late in the round, the cut flows again, and again the ref stops it. Jensen nearly bursts a blood vessel at this point, wondering how many free breaks Tapia's going to get. As was the case in the 10th, the pause came late, but it had now happened several times and Jensen and his corner had had enough.

Roughly a minute into the 14th, so had the ringside physician. In a shocking turn of events - and one with a questionable fallout - Willie Jensen has captured the WBC Jr. Bantamweight title. He was up on all cards at the time of the stoppage, 126-120, 124-123, 125-124.

The dilemma here is, Gilberto Roman had a rematch clause with Tapia. FBA's standard title contract has this, but allows the new champion to defend once in the interim. So now, Tapia has a rematch clause with Jensen. But Roman was supposed to get a shot to get his belt back. The postfight assumption was that Tapia will fight Roman, with the winner fighting Jensen - assuming he holds on in his interim defense should he choose to make one - but nothing is set as of yet.

Still, at this point, all that is certain is that Willie Jensen IS the new champion.

Willie Jensen TKO 14 (cuts) Johnny Tapia

GH

I am finding this same situation more often then I expected within my Universe. Rematch clauses causes quite a number of odd/tough situations to work through.

Continued good job. My 2cents on the new Champ.... I don't expect the weak chinned Jensen to last too long at the top....

[GForce]

Originally Posted by meade95

I am finding this same situation more often then I expected within my Universe. Rematch clauses causes quite a number of odd/tough situations to work through.

Continued good job. My 2cents on the new Champ.... I don't expect the weak chinned Jensen to last too long at the top....

Agreed. His style makes him a potentially dangerous opponent, but I fully expect either Roman or Tapia to take him out when they get their chance. Tapia having skipped camp surely played a role here as it is. In the proper shape, his probably applies too much pressure for Jensen to withstand it for the duration.

GH

[GForce]

April Title Fight Recaps Cont.

WBA Cruiserweight Title Fight: Wayne Braithwaite (4-0, 1 KO) vs Sergei Kobozev (2-1)

Kobozev had been bounced from the tournament in a razor-thin decision loss to Dwight Qawi (UD 10, 95-94 on all cards), who then lost a tough battle for the strap with Braithwaite. So "Big Truck" knew he wasn't getting a pushover here for his first defense.

The crowd was into this one quickly as both fighters trade heavy leather early and evenly so. The first three rounds are toss-ups, with Braithwaite controlling early and Kobozev recovering as the rounds proceeded. But in the fourth, it reversed for a thrilling three-minutes, Kobozev blasting Braithwaite early but Braithwaite returning fire late before a furious slugfest in the final minute.

With the two fighting in tight in the 5th, Kobozev lands a hard uppercut that busts Braithwaite open on his right eyelid. The blood is pouring, but Braithwaite gets a brief respite when, as he lurches forward, leaning on Kobozev after the shot, Kobozev is warned for using his elbow to get Braithwaite off him. But Braithwaite is jolted for the remainder of the round, and is tested here in his first defense.

He responds brilliantly, thoroughly dominating Kobozev in rounds 6 and 7, keeping him on the end of his jab, steering him into the ropes and drilling him at will. Kobozev absorbs the punishment, lands little of his own, but stays upright for the 6 minutes.

The 8th sees Kobozev get it back to a slugfest, and Braithwaite obliges. It's furious and even midway through the round until the cut is widened and the blood starts to pose a real problem. Kobozev is landing ripping crosses high and low, and Braithwaite is absorbing them well but eating a ton of glove. The eye is swelling badly in addition to the bleeding, and stopping shots from that side at this point is nearing the guesswork stage.

Kobozev controls the 9th, before a dull and even 10th, and a duller 11th that sees Braithwaite do nothing but guard the eye. The champ has been put in a guarded posture he can't afford given Kobozev's performance in the fight.

But after Kobozev starts the 12th on fire, Braithwaite responds for the first time since the 8th. He's able to protect the cut while still picking Kobozev apart late with accurate combinations, and the crowd is brought back into the fight.

It's seconds into the 13th that a pair of crosses from Kobozev rake Braithwaite and reopen the cut again. It's in just a terrible spot, and his corner has had little luck reducing the swelling as well. The doctor lets it continue and, while Braithwaite lands a few shots, it ends up being another round for Kobozev.

It's 50 seconds into the 14th, with Braithwaite bleeding profusely and not throwing punches, that a pair of combinations from Kobozev bring the conclusion Braithwaite can't see a thing. The doctor concurs and Braithwaite's title reign ends in its first defense.

At the time of the stoppage, Kobozev up 125-123, 124-123, 124-124.

The winner, and NEW WBA Cruiserweight Champion, is SERGEI KOBOZEV!!!.

Sergei Kobozev TKO 14 (cuts/swelling) Wayne Braithwaite

WBC Jr. Welterweight Title Fight: Kostya Tszyu (5-0-1, 5 KO) vs Diosbelys Hurtado (1-2, 1 KO)

Tszyu was challenged briefly by Paul Spadafora in his first defense. This one is brief, minus the challenge. Hurtado, thoroughly overmatched, is knocked cold in the second when, after 1:30 of running, Tszyu catches him with an uppercut.

Kostya Tszyu KO 2 Diosbelys Hurtado

GH

[Romdawg88]

Damn two champs lose their first title defenses in the 14th on cut stoppages bad luck. Hopefully if Tapia does get another shot at Jensen he actually decdies to train, regardless Tapia has to go down in history as the first and possibly only champ to ever win the belt with zero wins. That Braithwaite/Kobozev seemed like it was a epic brawl, lets hope they sign up for a rematch.

[GForce]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Damn two champs lose their first title defenses in the 14th on cut stoppages bad luck. Hopefully if Tapia does get another shot at Jensen he actually decdies to train, regardless Tapia has to go down in history as the first and possibly only champ to ever win the belt with zero wins. That Braithwaite/Kobozev seemed like it was a epic brawl, lets hope they sign up for a rematch.

I admittedly haven't decided how I'm going to handle the Tapia/Roman/Jensen triangle just yet. It may just depend on how my scheduling spreadsheet spits things out.

Braithwaite/Kobozev was a very good one. Braithwaite, of course, has a rematch clause, but Kobozev can defend in the interim if he chooses to, which he likely will.

GH

[Brooks TVB]

Tough loss for Braith. I enjoy your write ups. Keep it up.

[GForce]

Originally Posted by Brooks TVB

Tough loss for Braith. I enjoy your write ups. Keep it up.

Thanks, Brooks.

The thing I didn't know was not only how good Kobozev was, but about his tragic death. He was killed by the Russian Mafia at the age of 31, attacked and stuffed in a trunk, breaking his neck. His remains were found in a mob guy's backyard in Brooklyn 5 years later.

Sad.

GH

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by GForce

Thanks, Brooks.

The thing I didn't know was not only how good Kobozev was, but about his tragic death. He was killed by the Russian Mafia at the age of 31, attacked and stuffed in a trunk, breaking his neck. His remains were found in a mob guy's backyard in Brooklyn 5 years later.

Sad.

GH

Yeah I remember reading about that, that is some really sad stuff. He also handed our good friend John Ruiz his first loss so there's another reason to root for his succes in the FBA.

[GForce]

April Title Fight Recaps Cont.

IBF Jr. Lightweight Title Fight: Julio Cesar Chavez (5-0, 5 KO) vs Brian Mitchell (1-2)

Mitchell comes in and gives the performance of his life. Chavez is beaten to the punch in the early rounds, Mitchell moving effectively and giving him all sorts of problems. Chavez controls rounds 5-8, then pummels Mitchell after an even 9th, the end seeming near. But Mitchell responds, and bangs it out with Chavez who seems taken aback by Mitchell's response. The crowd is increasingly on the challenger's side, but he runs out of gas and Chavez jumps at the opportunity. A worn out Mitchell is dropped 3 times in the 14th, the last time for good, a stellar effort coming up short. But Chavez certainly had for more than he anticipated. Chavez up 125-122, 125-122, 124-123 at conclusion.

Julio Cesar Chavez KO 14 Brian Mitchell

WBA Jr. Bantamweight Title Fight: Fernando Montiel (4-0, 2 KO) vs Tae-Il Chang (1-2-2)

Chang absorbed a ton of shots from Khaosai Galaxy in being eliminated from the tournament. Since that time, he was 0-1-2, most recently a rather uneventful draw with Julio Cesar Borboa. Nice easy first defense for Montiel. Except nobody told Chang, who shows up intent on throwing punches in bunches. The opening round is a brawl that gets the crowd into it in a hurry, but Chang dominates the second and, in the third, Montiel is busted open wide and deep across the bridge of his nose, and it is unclear whether it's from a punch or a clash of heads. Chang just keeps doing what he came to do, though, and fire away doggedly. The round ends, and Montiel's corner goes to work but is unable to stop the bleeding. Chang dominates the fourth as well, and it's starting to look as though an upset may be in the making.

Montiel is visibly iritated in his corner, as his cutmen are still unable to stop the bleeding. And in the 5th, Chang keeps up the relentless assault. Montiel eats combination after combination, swinging wildly as he tries to battle back, but having a hard time landing. Chang has taken round 5 and as we move to the 6th, the blood flow is still masking Montiel. But when, a minute into the 6th, Montiel is still being battered without response, and the blood is still flowing, the ringside doctor says it's too much to continue.

In a stunner, Tae-Il Chang stops Fernando Montiel by TKO. Montiel seems more livid that the cut couldn't be stopped than at the actual stoppage, though the location of the cut is not one where you usually see a stoppage occur. But it happens here, and Chang takes the belt.

Tae-Il Chang TKO 6 Fernando Montiel

More to come...
GH

[meade95]

Dang...I would have loved to see B. Mitchell pull the upset over JCC.

[GForce]

Originally Posted by meade95

Dang...I would have loved to see B. Mitchell pull the upset over JCC.

So would I. He'd really fought an excellent fight, he just ran out of steam. Of course, Chavez keeping the belt keeps the hope of some unification deal down the line with him and either Arguello or Azumah.

GH

[meade95]

Originally Posted by GForce

So would I. He'd really fought an excellent fight, he just ran out of steam. Of course, Chavez keeping the belt keeps the hope of some unification deal down the line with him and either Arguello or Azumah.

GH

Yeah...B. Mitchell is a class below those guys (Chavez, Arguello and Azumah). He (B. Mitchell) has definitely done a great job within my universe......his ability to win close fights in my universe continues to amaze me.

At JLW I think both Arguello and Azumah would have been JCC. Both in tough fights -

[GForce]

Originally Posted by meade95

Yeah...B. Mitchell is a class below those guys (Chavez, Arguello and Azumah). He (B. Mitchell) has definitely done a great job within my universe......his ability to win close fights in my universe continues to amaze me.

At JLW I think both Arguello and Azumah would have been JCC. Both in tough fights -

As you can see, Mitchell has struggled in my uni, now at 1-3, starting with being knocked out of the tournament by Daniel Attah in a split decision in the opening round. His other loss was a decision loss to Steve Forbes.

I'd really like to see Arguello and Azumah, two of my faves, go at it. Time will tell.

GH

[GForce]

April Title Fight Recaps Cont.

WBC Cruiserweight Title Fight: Jean-Marc Mormeck (5-0, 3 KO) vs Thomas Hansvoll (1-3)

Mormeck was tested in his first defense, dropped by challenger Jose Maria Flores, before coming back to punish him for a 10th round TKO. Hansvoll has been disappointing, and after a first round here where he rattles Mormeck with several power blows in the final 30 seconds, Mormeck decides he better get down to business. He does and the assault is on. Hansvoll wakes up in round 7, which he dominates after 5 rounds of abuse. But Mormeck regains control, drops Hansvoll twice in the 8th and again in the 9th before referee Larry Rozadilla stops the madness at 2:14 of the 9th.

Jean-Marc Mormeck TKO 9 (punishment) Thomas Hansvoll

IBF Jr. Welterweight Title Fight: Meldrick Taylor (4-0, 1 KO) vs David Sample (0-2)

Taylor has gotten a load of criticism for seeming to never just take over a fight as his talents dictate he should. He's the champ, but he's never looked stunningly impressive, and with his skills he should. Against a winless opponent in Sample, prime pick for a first defense who shows up not looking in great shape, it's another enigmatic performance from Taylor. After an opening round in which he rips lightning-fast combinations off Sample's face with ease and precision, he lets Sample back into the fight in the second, not moving but standing there and letting himself get hit again and again. Taylor dominates the third round as he did the first, only to again stand right in front of Sample in the 4th and get drilled with power shots he SHOULD be avoiding. Round 5...Taylor assaults Sample again with his speed. But in the 6th, Sample is allowed to dictate and Taylor lands little while absorbing several hard blows.

Were it not for the out of shape Sample essentially running out of gas so early, Taylor may well have lost his title. In fact, Taylor allows Sample to hang around and beat him in a toe-to-toe war in round 13. Still, Taylor does enough to win the unanimous decision, 146-141, 146-141, 145-142. But it ain't pretty and, if he keeps fighting like this, someone like Ubaldo Sacco or Zab Judah is going to take his strap.

Meldrick Taylor UD 15 David Sample

More to come...the big one...Ali/Lewis.

GH

[GForce]

April Title Fight Recaps Cont.

WBA Heavyweight Title Fight: Muhammad Ali (4-0, 2 KO) vs Lennox Lewis (7-0, 5 KO)

"No man, with that hair, will EVER beat me." Such were the prefight words of Muhammad Ali. Lewis had commented that "Ali may be a poet outside the ring, but I am a poet inside of it, and I will prove it to the world." Only the brash Ali would choose to take on someone of Lewis' ilk in his first defense, when he may very well be ordered to make his mandatory defense later this year against him as well. "I'll whup him twice," Ali said without the slightest hint he was joking. But when it came time for the talk to stop, would they both bring their A-game.

It doesn't take long to get going, as Lewis rips off a combination to the head right off the bat. Ali responds with hard shots to the ribs, but Lewis counters with another hard cross to the head. Ali responds with a cross of his own, but then is shaken by a Lewis uppercut. Ali slips one through the gloves, but a hook from Lewis lands hard. An Ali uppercut lands stiff, but Lewis is able to respond with a hook to the head at the bell. It's clear Lewis is seeking to pressure Ali, knowing his size and strength advantage is enormous.

The second is even and the pace slows considerably, but Lewis is livid when he's warned for using his shoulder. He clinches often during the round, trying to make Ali hold his weight. It's more of the same in the third, but Lewis lands more leather this time, blasting Ali with a pair of straight right hands, just keeping on shooting that jab out there time and time again. Ali is fighting a surprisingly economical fight at this point, and it breeds speculation the opening round brawl didn't sit well with him.

In the 4th, Ali is ahead but, after a hook to Lewis' hip, Ali shakes his hand visibly. He keeps going, even jabbing with that hand, but it seems Ali is hurt. However, it's also evident Lewis is starting to swell under his right eye.

As for Ali's hand, who knows, for round 5 was just a brilliant display by Ali, who moved the most he had all fight, and his dazzling speed advantage was something Lewis couldn't counter. Combinations, one right after the other, ripped Lewis' head back and forth, and his counterattacks were missing by relative miles.

The swelling becomes the focus of Ali's corner, and he's told to target it. He does so brilliantly in the 6th, slamming straight shots off the eye despite Lewis' best attempts to guard it. Every time he drops it to throw, he gets stuck with a shot from Ali. Lewis gets it going late, freezing Ali with a hard uppercut and following it up with a pair of hard hooks.

In the 7th, Lewis' eye is virtually swollen shut, but he shows heart, taking several shots from Ali before bulling him into the corner and landing power shots, including a thudding uppercut that snapped Ali's head back. Ali slips a nice uppercut inside to stem the tide to the bell.

Lewis is checked out moments into the 8th, after Ali lands a few unanswered shots. The doctor clears him to continue, and they're back at center ring. But Ali smells the end, and after ripping off several combinations unanswered, the doctor again takes a look at Lewis and calls a halt to the contest.

Lewis is beside himself, but to no avail. Ali up 68-65 (2), 67-66 at time of stoppage.

With a scintillating first defense, Ali remains WBA Heavyweight Champion!

Muhammad Ali TKO 8 (swelling) Lennox Lewis

GH

[GForce]

April '05: Notable Results

WBA Featherweight: Erik Morales (3-1, 2 KO) vs Wayne McCullough (0-2)

McCullough comes in 0-2, having been stopped twice by Marco Antonio Barrera. Note to McCullough...fight someone easy for once. He's tough, he's game, he's completely overmatched. Morales lands nearly half his punches, while McCullough lands a paltry 14%. Guts and heart don't often overcome a vast difference in talent, and they don't do so here. Morales by a unanimous decision, 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.

Erik Morales UD 10 Wayne McCullough

WBA Light-Heavyweight: Jeff Harding (3-0, 3 KO) vs Reggie Johnson (1-2)

The other "Hitman" looks to make a strong WBA debut against the tough Johnson, who beat Montell Griffin before getting stopped by Bob Foster, then lost to Bobby Czyz on a questionable cut stoppage last July. He hadn't been in the ring since. Harding battles swelling pretty much from the getgo, and Johnson takes the first three rounds. Harding dials it up, but in doing so is fighting a pretty wild fight. Johnson stays defensive, counterpunching effectively and trying as best he can to dodge Harding's nonstop assault. Johnson is likely up 4-1 through five rounds before Harding catches him with a devastating hook. Johnson is up and weathers the ensuing storm from Harding. The 7th is even, Johnson landing more blows but Harding's having much more sting, but Harding's eye gives him real problems in the 8th, when he can't land a thing. After two dull minutes in the 9th, Harding lands a pair of overhand rights that knock Johnson off balance, though he stays upright. But he's visibly hurt and in the 10th, Harding is relentless. Johnson can't muster any offense, but dodges and blocks enough of Harding's 10th round onslaught to stay upright, though at fight's end Johnson looks ready to drop. Still, it goes to the judges.

95-94 Harding...96-94 Johnson...95-94 for the winner....



REGGIE JOHNSON!!!

A tough loss for Harding in his WBA debut, and a much needed victory for Johnson. Harding shows enough in defeat to indicate he'll be a presence in the division.

Reggie Johnson SD 10 Jeff Harding

WBA Light-Heavyweight: Bobby Czyz (4-1, 2 KO) vs Victor Galindez (3-1, 1 KO)

Since his opening round upset loss at the hands of Roger Rouse in the tournament, Czyz has won four in a row. Galindez returned to the ring in January with a decision victory over Drake Thadzi, sufficiently recovered from his devastating 2nd-round knockout loss at the hands of Bob Foster in the tournament semifinal. This one is action packed and controversial. Galindez is punishing Czyz early in the first when he loses a point for an intentional low blow, without ever receiving a warning and for a shot that didn't seem too far south. Czyz seems as surprised as anyone, but takes the break and comes on strong to finish the round. The next two rounds slow down a bit and are pretty even, until the pace picks up in the 4th. Another even round with both fighters landing hard hooks to the body. Galindez controls the first half of the 5th, but Czyz responds well after a hard uppercut to land several power shots of his own. Galindez handily takes the 6th, but not before a straight right from Czyz rips open a good sized cut on his right eyebrow. He battles the blood in a slugfest 7th that draws the crowd into the fight further before Czyz controls the 8th. But Czyz is livid at the break given to Galindez while the doctor examined his cut. The 9th is an even clinchfest that leads to the 10th with the cards expected to be close.
Bleeding and exhausted, Galindez comes out ready to trade with Czyz. After an electrifying and even 1:30 of power shots from both men, it's Galindez who lands the big blow, a cross that freezes Czyz. Galindez is all over him for the final 1:30 and the round, and fight, end with Czyz slumped against the ropes looking out on his feet. But he stayed up.

Unanimously...96-93, 95-94, 95-94...the winner is....


VICTOR GALDINDEZ!!!

Czyz is stunned and the crowd is mixed, but Galindez's effort in the final round got many on his side. Had Czyz won the 10th round, he takes a split decision. A lot of heart by Galindez in an impressive victory.

Victor Galindez UD 10 Bobby Czyz


More bouts of note to come

GH

[GForce]

April '05: Notable Results Cont.

IBF Heavyweight: Riddick Bowe (4-1, 3 KO) vs Ernie Terrell (2-2)

After Terrell's near upset showing against champ Mike Tyson, the speculation was wild what he'd come with here. Would he be too worn down from that grueling encounter to fight effectively, or would that spur him on, realizing how close he came. This is a hard, borderline dirty fight...both fighters warned repeatedly for infractions, though there were no points deducted. But Bowe gives his best performance to date, taking everything Terrell has to offer and giving it back tenfold. Terrell eats a ton of leather in this fight, with Bowe landing 53% of his blows. Terrell lands 38% of his own, so defense was not a real factor in this fight. It's incredible that neither fighter goes down despite the abuse...until Terrell with 30 seconds left in the fight. He doesn't get up, not that it would have mattered. Bowe was well ahead on all cards. The scorecard would have looked like Terrell was walked over, and he wasn't. This was, quite simply, Bowe giving an effort worthy of a champion, and Tyson should take notice.

Riddick Bowe KO 10 Ernie Terrell

IBF Heavyweight: Bert Cooper (4-0, 3 KO) vs Tim Witherspoon (0-1)

Withersoon takes to the ring for the first time in more than a year, since his 2nd round knockout loss at the hands of Michael Dokes. Cooper comes in from the WBO looking to land high in the rankings. On this night, he picked the wrong guy. Lots of action and powerful shots, but most come from Witherspoon, who looks nothing like the sleepwalking sloth who was smoked by Dokes. This is the Witherspoon who could legitimately contend, if he decides he wants it enough. Witherspoon lands more than half his shots in an exceptional effort, finally putting Cooper down late in the 10th. Cooper rises, but it's a moral victory at best. Tim is hardly 'Terrible' this night, as Cooper becomes the latest of WBO promotees to find life in the bigs is much, much different. Witherspoon 99-91, 97-92, 96-93.

Tim Witherspoon UD 10 Bert Cooper

More bouts of note to come

GH