The Heavyweight Boxing Federation

[kenyan_cheena]

UNDEFEATED, UNHERALDED:
JOHNSON AND WALLS GETTING
IT DONE ANONYMOUSLY

Monday 15 April 2002

Perhaps it's because they aren't seeded higher. Perhaps it's because they are completely overshadowed in their home towns by other, more fancied HBF competitors. Whatever the reason may be, Earl Walls of Toronto, Canada and New York City's John Lester Johnson have each gone undefeated through their opening three tournament bouts with barely a deal made about it.

The 58th seed in the World Championship tournament, Walls currently shares 1st place in Group Seven with #7 seed Young Stribling. All the excitement that his 3-0 record should have generated in Toronto has been focused on George Chuvalo, the tough 12th seed with an identical record who is, along with Sam Langford, considered the country's greatest chance for World Championship glory.

Admittedly, all of Walls' victories have been against fighters seeded lower than him. But so have Chuvalo's.

"It's pretty simple," Walls said. "He's a #1 seed. He's expected to contend for the Championship. Me? I'm right back in the middle of the pack. No one expects much from me, so 3-0 doesn't look as impressive on a guy who's supposed to fall off eventually."

Walls has had some luck along the way. The form of fellow Group Seven member and 42nd seed Frank Bruno has been ordinary at best while accumulating a 1-0-2 record. And just last week, the group's 2nd seed Roland LaStarza was sensationally knocked out by Mac Foster, an opponent that Walls had defeated on debut.

"I just have to keep on winning," said Walls. "It'll just be a waste if I go 4-0 against the lower guys and then 0-3 against the top three. At the moment, I have an advantage over both LaStarza and Bruno, but that will only stay in place if I keep winning. Willi Besmanoff is next, and that's just a huge fight. If I lose and LaStarza wins, I'll drop out of the top two. But after that is LaStarza himself, then Bruno and Stribling. I think that, realistically, I can probably only afford one loss from all those fights."

John Lester Johnson has made his way to 3-0 in a manner that is the direct opposite of Walls. Johnson is the ONLY fighter in the HBF to have scored three victories against higher-seeded opponents.

Seeded 35th in the federation's 1st Defense tournament, Johnson sits all by himself at the top of the standings in Group Six, having scored an astonishingly easy unanimous decision victory over 11th-seeded Californian Mike Weaver back on April the 6th in Houston.

However, Johnson's home New York City is also the home of the World Championship tournament's 1st and 5th seeds (Tunney and Bowe), and Johnson's chances of being noticed have been heavily diminished by their presence.

"To be honest, it doesn't bother me," Johnson said. "I really prefer the anonimity. You know, I said back in Houston that I only got into this game to make a living. I never thought I'd ever be in a position to compete for the Championship but after the start I've made, I really have a good chance of making it through to the second stage. So, really, focusing on training effectively for every bout is so much more important to me than any type of recognition I might receive."

Of the 24 tournament groups in the World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments, there are only three in which the man in 1st place is not the group's 1st seed. Johnson is one of those three, but the fact that he is the group's 5TH SEED makes it an even more impressive accomplishment.

It will be fascinating to follow both Walls and Johnson through the remainder of these HBF tournaments and it would be fantastic if they both manage to qualify for the tournament's second stage.

Maybe then, someone in their home towns will sit up and take notice...

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

UNDEFEATED, UNHERALDED:
JOHNSON AND WALLS GETTING
IT DONE ANONYMOUSLY

Monday 15 April 2002

Perhaps it's because they aren't seeded higher. Perhaps it's because they are completely overshadowed in their home towns by other, more fancied HBF competitors. Whatever the reason may be, Earl Walls of Toronto, Canada and New York City's John Lester Johnson have each gone undefeated through their opening three tournament bouts with barely a deal made about it.

The 58th seed in the World Championship tournament, Walls currently shares 1st place in Group Seven with #7 seed Young Stribling. All the excitement that his 3-0 record should have generated in Toronto has been focused on George Chuvalo, the tough 12th seed with an identical record who is, along with Sam Langford, considered the country's greatest chance for World Championship glory.

Admittedly, all of Walls' victories have been against fighters seeded lower than him. But so have Chuvalo's.

"It's pretty simple," Walls said. "He's a #1 seed. He's expected to contend for the Championship. Me? I'm right back in the middle of the pack. No one expects much from me, so 3-0 doesn't look as impressive on a guy who's supposed to fall off eventually."

Walls has had some luck along the way. The form of fellow Group Seven member and 42nd seed Frank Bruno has been ordinary at best while accumulating a 1-0-2 record. And just last week, the group's 2nd seed Roland LaStarza was sensationally knocked out by Mac Foster, an opponent that Walls had defeated on debut.

"I just have to keep on winning," said Walls. "It'll just be a waste if I go 4-0 against the lower guys and then 0-3 against the top three. At the moment, I have an advantage over both LaStarza and Bruno, but that will only stay in place if I keep winning. Willi Besmanoff is next, and that's just a huge fight. If I lose and LaStarza wins, I'll drop out of the top two. But after that is LaStarza himself, then Bruno and Stribling. I think that, realistically, I can probably only afford one loss from all those fights."

John Lester Johnson has made his way to 3-0 in a manner that is the direct opposite of Walls. Johnson is the ONLY fighter in the HBF to have scored three victories against higher-seeded opponents.

Seeded 35th in the federation's 1st Defense tournament, Johnson sits all by himself at the top of the standings in Group Six, having scored an astonishingly easy unanimous decision victory over 11th-seeded Californian Mike Weaver back on April the 6th in Houston.

However, Johnson's home New York City is also the home of the World Championship tournament's 1st and 5th seeds (Tunney and Bowe), and Johnson's chances of being noticed have been heavily diminished by their presence.

"To be honest, it doesn't bother me," Johnson said. "I really prefer the anonimity. You know, I said back in Houston that I only got into this game to make a living. I never thought I'd ever be in a position to compete for the Championship but after the start I've made, I really have a good chance of making it through to the second stage. So, really, focusing on training effectively for every bout is so much more important to me than any type of recognition I might receive."

Of the 24 tournament groups in the World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments, there are only three in which the man in 1st place is not the group's 1st seed. Johnson is one of those three, but the fact that he is the group's 5TH SEED makes it an even more impressive accomplishment.

It will be fascinating to follow both Walls and Johnson through the remainder of these HBF tournaments and it would be fantastic if they both manage to qualify for the tournament's second stage.

Maybe then, someone in their home towns will sit up and take notice...

Ha, cool story on some the less known guys in the HBF, of course now due to karma they'll both probably get blasted in their next matches but still cool story.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Ha, cool story on some the less known guys in the HBF, of course now due to karma they'll both probably get blasted in their next matches but still cool story.

LOL

Wouldn't surprise me at all. It happened to Tony Alongi, with talk of him joining the Florida Alliance after his 2-0 start. Then he gets swept by Sharkey! JLJ has to fight Ron Lyle next, so his winning run might come to an end there.

Just to let you all know, before I launch into the next series of bouts I'll be posting some stats regarding the combined records of fighters from different regions, eg. Florida, California, etc. Maybe also some stats regarding knockdowns, punches per round, etc. Just for fun.

[Romdawg88]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

LOL

Wouldn't surprise me at all. It happened to Tony Alongi, with talk of him joining the Florida Alliance after his 2-0 start. Then he gets swept by Sharkey! JLJ has to fight Ron Lyle next, so his winning run might come to an end there.

Just to let you all know, before I launch into the next series of bouts I'll be posting some stats regarding the combined records of fighters from different regions, eg. Florida, California, etc. Maybe also some stats regarding knockdowns, punches per round, etc. Just for fun.

Sweet, it always fun to look at stats and oh yeah LETS GO FLORIDA, whip that ass.

[kenyan_cheena]

Combined record of Florida fighters: 16-4-2(6)

Tony Alongi, 2-1
Tim Anderson, 0-1-1
Tommy Gomez, 3-0(1)
Terone Haynes, 2-0(2)
Al Jones, 1-2
Oliver McCall, 3-0(1)
Ray Mercer, 2-0-1(1)
Elmer Ray, 3-0(1)

Combined record of California fighters: 23-38-6(9)

Jim Barry, 0-2
Freddie Beshore, 0-1-1
Joe Choynski, 1-2
Henry Clark, 0-2-1
Bruce Crickett, 0-1-1
Mac Foster, 1-1-1(1)
Clarence Henry, 2-1(1)
Charles Horn, 1-2(1)
James Jeffries, 3-0(1)
Al Kaufmann, 1-2
Tom Kennedy, 0-2-1
Sam McVey, 3-0
Marty Monroe, 0-3
Carl Morris, 2-1
Ken Norton, 3-0(2)
Lou Nova, 3-0(1)
Charley Powell, 0-2
Roger Rischer, 0-2-1
Jack Roper, 0-3
Cleaver Twidell, 0-2
Pat Valentino, 0-3
Rueben Vargas, 0-3
Stan Ward, 1-2
Mike Weaver, 2-1(2)

(San Francisco): 6-12-2(2)

Joe Choynski, 1-2
Henry Clark, 0-2-1
Bruce Crickett, 0-1-1
Charles Horn, 1-2(1)
James Jeffries, 3-0(1)
Al Kaufmann, 1-2
Pat Valentino, 0-3

Combined record of Pennsylvania fighters: 18-27-6(2)

Dave Bailey, 1-1(1)
Bob Baker, 0-3
David Bey, 0-1-1
Tyrell Biggs, 1-1-1
Gus Dorazio, 1-1-1
Al Ettore, 1-1-1
Jesse Ferguson, 0-3
Joe Grim, 1-2
Larry Holmes, 3-0
Alonzo Johnson, 0-3
Rocky Jones, 0-3
Leotis Martin, 2-0
Frank Moran, 3-0(1)
Tony Ross, 1-1-1
Garvin Sawyer, 1-2
Curtis Sheppard, 1-2
Don Warner, 0-3
Jimmy Young, 2-0-1

(Philadelphia): 10-15-5(1)

Dave Bailey, 1-1(1)
David Bey, 0-1-1
Tyrell Biggs, 1-1-1
Gus Dorazio, 1-1-1
Al Ettore, 1-1-1
Jesse Ferguson, 0-3
Joe Grim, 1-2
Leotis Martin, 2-0
Curtis Sheppard, 1-2
Don Warner, 0-3
Jimmy Young, 2-0-1

Combined record of New York City fighters: 26-16-7(2)

(note: includes the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem)

Joe Alexander, 1-0-1
Joe Baksi, 1-0-2
Riddick Bowe, 3-0(1)
Tim Carlisle, 0-1-1
Billy Daniels, 1-1-1
Stanley Drexxon, 1-1
Bobby Halpern, 1-1
Kevin Isaac, 0-3
Tommy Jackson, 1-2
Graham Jefferson, 2-0
John Lester Johnson, 3-0
Doug Jones, 3-0
Roland LaStarza, 2-1
Jeff Merritt, 0-2-1
Bob Pastor, 2-0
Jim Stewart, 0-2
Gene Tunney, 3-0(1)
Carmine Vingo, 1-1
Coley Wallace, 0-2-1
Greg Williams, 1-1

(more to come)

[kenyan_cheena]

Combined record of New Jersey fighters: 12-14-3(5)

Harold Carter, 1-2(1)
Tony Galento, 2-1(2)
Steve Hamas, 3-0
Joe Jeannette, 3-0(2)
Jack O'Halloran, 0-2
Jim Savage, 0-2-1
Bruce Seldon, 2-1
Keene Simmons, 1-2
Mel Turnbow, 0-3
Chuck Wepner, 0-1-2

Combined record of Texas fighters: 7-11-1(1)

Johnny Boudreaux,0-2-1
Randall Cobb, 1-2
Terry Daniels, 1-1
Roy Harris, 0-2
Jack Johnson, 2-1(1)
Randy Stephens, 0-3
Cleveland Williams, 3-0

Combined record of Ohio fighters: 10-7-3(4)

Jack Carroll, 0-2
Michael Dokes, 2-1(1)
Amos Johnson, 1-0-2
Johnny Risko, 2-0-1
Gus Ruhlin, 2-1
Mike Schreck, 0-3
Earnie Shavers, 3-0(3)

Combined record of Chicago fighters: 5-17-2

Floyd Cummings, 0-3
Toxie Hall, 1-2
John Holman, 0-2-1
King Levinsky, 1-2
Bob Satterfield, 0-3
Phil Scott, 0-3
Bill Tate, 0-2-1
Ernie Terrell, 3-0

Combined record of English fighters: 24-19-5(6)

Joe Beckett, 1-2
Charles Bradley, 0-2
Frank Bruno, 1-0-2
Joe Bugner, 2-0-1(1)
Manny Burgo, 1-2
Don Cockell, 3-0(1)
Tom Cowler, 0-3
Richard Dunn, 0-2
Jack Gardner, 3-0
Herbie Hide, 2-0-1(2)
Brian London, 0-3
Gary Mason, 2-1(1)
Charley Mitchell, 2-1
Charles Moreck, 0-2
Alex Stewart, 2-0-1
Billy Walker, 2-1
Bruce Woodcock, 3-0(1)

Combined record of Irish fighters: 11-2-1(2)

Bran Baggett, 2-0
Artuir Claffey, 2-0
Bob Devere, 1-1-1
Peter Maher, 2-1
Brion Mayo, 2-0
Tom Sharkey, 2-0-1(2)

Combined record of German fighters: 12-8-2(6)

Willi Besmanoff, 0-2-1
Hans Birkie, 0-2
Jurgen Blin, 1-2(1)
Karl Mildenberger, 2-0-1(1)
Heinz Neuhaus, 1-2
Max Schmeling, 3-0(2)
Markus Stober, 2-0
Hein Ten-Hoff, 3-0(2)

(more to come)

[kenyan_cheena]

Combined records of South African fighters: 5-12-3

Johnny Arthur, 1-0-2
Gerrie Coetzee, 0-3
Johnny DuPlooy, 0-2-1
Kallie Knoetze, 1-2
Zolilie Letlake, 2-0
Oupa Maoto, 0-2
Jomo Motloung, 0-2
Shakes Qoboza, 1-1

Combined record of Australian fighters: 8-5-3(1)

Jack Beckerman, 2-0
Joe Goddard, 0-1-2
Allan Horace, 1-0-1
Peter Jackson, 3-0(1)
Bill Lang, 0-3
Frank Slavin, 2-1

Combined record of Canadian fighters: 19-11-2(4)

Brett Ashby, 1-1
George Chuvalo, 3-0
Robert Cleroux, 2-0
John Ferguson, 2-0
Larry Gains, 0-1-1
Sam Langford, 3-0(1)
Joe Lannon, 0-2
Lennox Lewis, 2-0(1)
Jack Munroe, 0-2
Arthur Pelkey, 1-2(1)
Jack Renault, 0-3
Donovan Ruddock, 2-0-1(1)
Earl Walls, 3-0

Combined record of Argentinian fighters: 6-14-2

Leonardo Barbaressi, 1-1
Oscar Bonavena, 2-1
Cesar Brion, 1-1-1
Luis Firpo, 0-3
Alejandro Lavorante, 0-3
Pedro Lovell, 0-2-1
Alex Miteff, 0-3
Gregorio Peralta, 2-0

[kenyan_cheena]

Now for some stats...

Most knockdowns scored

James Jeffries, 8
Sonny Liston, 8
Earnie Shavers, 8
Rocky Marciano, 6
Tommy Morrison, 6
Kalolo Umaga, 6
Robert Cleroux, 5
Ingemar Johansson, 5
Lou Nova, 5
Omovo Okocha, 5
Max Schmeling, 5
Gene Tunney, 5
Nino Valdes, 5

Most times knocked down

Nick Barone, 10
Robert Ado, 6
Jack Roper, 6
King Solomon, 6
Jose Urtain, 6
Charles Bradley, 5
Gerry Cooney, 5
Mike DeJohn, 5
Oscar Pharo, 5
Garvin Sawyer, 5
Ramon Villa, 5

Highest average punches landed per fight

Gene Tunney, 210.3 (3 bouts)
Rosco Toles, 209.5 (2 bouts)
Bob Pastor, 205.5 (2 bouts)
Leotis Martin, 202.0 (2 bouts)
Jim Flynn, 193.0 (2 bouts)
Ted Lowry, 188.3 (3 bouts)
Harry Wills, 187.0 (2 bouts)
Ernie Terrell, 186.3 (3 bouts)
Buster Mathis, 185.3 (3 bouts)
Genadi Yantchev, 184.5 (2 bouts)

Highest punch connection %
(3-0 fighters only)

Gene Tunney, .523
Peter Jackson, .507
Elmer Ray, .503
Tommy Gomez, .499
Buster Mathis, .490
Natie Brown, .487
Ernie Terrell, .487
Max Schmeling, .472
Hein Ten-Hoff, .471
Floyd Patterson, .468
Tony Tucker, .466
Larry Holmes, .461

Highest punch connection % (defensive)
(3-0 fighters only)

Hein Ten-Hoff, .251
Tony Tucker, .263
Jimmy Ellis, .280
Gene Tunney, .282
Trevor Berbick, .290
Buster Mathis, .291
Peter Jackson, .297
Ernie Terrell, .299
Don Cockell, .308
Natie Brown, .311
John Lester Johnson, .319
Frank Moran, .325

[kenyan_cheena]

HAYNES AND GOMEZ
"TREATED LIKE KINGS" IN THAILAND

Tuesday 16 April 2002

Almost a week has passed since Terone Haynes and fellow Florida Alliance member Tommy Gomez arrived in Thailand for this coming Thursday's South-East Asian Boxing League fight card. Speaking today at a press conference for the event, they described how overwhelmed they were by the hospitality they had received during their stay.

"Gotta say it, y'all, feels like we bein' treated like kings," Haynes said. "Really, I just feel humbled to the point o' embar'ssment, man. Ain't nothing no trouble for them here: massages, rub downs, just a real peaceful atmosphere, y'all. Could really get used to this pampered lifestyle, no doubt. Kinda wish my little cuz Elmer were here, too."

Gomez was in agreement. "I'm not even here to fight, but they've given me the same special treatment," he laughed. "You know, I'm only here to support Terone, to help keep him focused on what he has to achieve. But I don't mind saying that I really hope the federation brings my tournament group here in the future. I'd jump at the chance to come back to Thailand."

Haynes will take to the ring on Thursday night against the 5th-seeded Samoan Kalolo Umaga in a bout most believe will be over quickly. But despite the brutal swiftness of his opening two victories, Haynes has been hesitant to talk up his chances.

"'s a strong brother, man," said Haynes. "He be gettin' all my respect, I tell y'all. I ain't fool enough to think I'm ind'struct'ble, man. Yeah, they ain't laid a han' on me in those first two fights. That don't mean diddly, y'all. This brother Umaga, he got a right hand like a mule kick. Takin' him out in the firs' round or two, that's the best case scenario. Like I say, though, he have my respec', man."

It's true that many (including Terone's cousin Elmer Ray) are predicting an early night for Umaga, but Haynes' words do have some truth to them. Umaga sent Robert Ado to the canvas five times on debut, so the Florida slugger will have to employ a measure of caution during the bout. It could turn out to be quite a fascinating, unpredictable contest...

[kenyan_cheena]

WILLS AND PASTOR BOTH
HELD TO DRAWS IN FLORIDA

Tuesday 16 April 2002

The perfect 32-0 start that the 1st and 2nd seeds in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's eight feeder leagues had made through two series of bouts came to a surprising halt tonight at the Coconut Creek Casino in Florida.

The #1 and #2 seeds in the U.S. Atlantic Coast Boxing League, Harry Wills of New Orleans and New York's Bob Pastor were both held to draws in bouts against Tim Carlisle and Joe Alexander, respectively.

Like last week's St. Louis fight card, which featured a HBF-first when both the Co-Feature and Main Event finished in the opening round, tonight's situation of both bouts being drawn was also unprecedented.

(to be continued)

[meade95]

Irish boys definitely holding their own! (and then some!).

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by meade95

Irish boys definitely holding their own! (and then some!).

Yeah, they have started well, but when you consider that Baggett, Claffey and Mayo have been cruising against guys rated 1 or 2, it doesn't look as impressive. Still, it will be interesting to see how the Irish fighters progress in the coming months. I'm really looking forward to Langford vs Sharkey.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Following his last bout, a comprehensive victory over Dan Hodge, Wills had been in a boastful mood, pontificating on how he felt he was ready to take on all the top contenders in the HBF's World Championship. The trouble with talk like that is you have to back it up. Tonight, Wills didn't do that.

It was strange to watch the New Orleans native struggle. Having won quite comfortably in his first two bouts, and due to his position as the league's #1 seed, a victory against the so-far-disappointing Carlisle was almost assumed.

Wills started impressively in both the first and third rounds, but it was clear by the halfway point of the bout that he wasn't going to have it all his way tonight. Carlisle was putting in his most determined effort to date and when the 5th-seeded New Yorker opened a cut over Wills' right eye a minute into the fourth, the momentum definitely shifted in his favour.

Carlisle upped his aggression, beating the perturbed Louisiana slugger to the punch, taking the fight up to him. The 5th seed won the fourth and then dominated the fifth, outfighting Wills in a fashion that had yet to be seen. Proceedings became quite tense when Wills was led to the ring doctor to have his cut examined. He didn't take kindly to the suggestion that the fight might be stopped if it got any worse.

Going into the final stanza, the audience was full of excited chatter, wondering whether Carlisle could pull off the upset. If not for the killer series of shots that Wills landed moments before the final bell, he just might have. It had been an even round up to that point, but Wills rocked Carlisle with a last ditch left jab/straight right combo followed by a pair of left hooks and another straight right. Carlisle was staggered, but the bell brought the contest to an end before Wills could follow up. All three judges gave the round to Wills.

When the verdict was announced, a large portion of the audience started booing. They felt that Carlisle had done enough to win, but the scorecards (57-57, 58-56 (Wills), 57-57) said otherwise.

Carlisle did not make a particularly impressive start to his career. His first bout was a draw with 9th seed Dan Hodge, his second a close unanimous decision loss to #8 seed Randy Baez of Kansas. Surely, if Carlisle had done what he was supposed to in those two contests, tonight's result would have seen him over the moon. As it was, he simply walked around the ring, shoulders slumped, shaking his head.

The New Orleans native was able to connect with 116 of 285 punches (40%) while Carlisle landed 100 of 292 (34%).

Wills was full of complimentary words for his opponent and scathing ones for himself.

"Guess I gotta reel that ego in a bit," he said. "Come back down to earth. You know, Tim just fought a great, gutsy fight, but I'll admit that I took him a bit lightly, which was a foolish thing to do. I learned a good lesson tonight, no doubt."

***

While the #1 seed's unexpected draw was a result of a determined opponent and an overinflated ego, #2 seed Bob Pastor's seemed to be the result of an empty tank. He appeared to hit a wall two minutes into the fourth round, having been controlling the contest up to that point. He was all but useless in the fifth and sixth rounds, which his fellow New Yorker Alexander, himself having a sub-par night, swept on two of the judge's cards.

Apparently, Pastor had been suffering from a viral infection during the last week. However, he made no excuses for his performance.

"I just finished the bout terribly," he said, frustration set on his jaw. "When I had to dig deep, I failed. I let him back into the contest and paid the price."

Indeed, he did. Pastor knew when he entered the ring that a win would be required to stay atop the standings in Group B, as Baltimore's #3 seed Clarence Burman had scored a rather ugly majority decison victory (58-56, 57-57, 59-55) over San Francisco's Bruce Crickett in the evening's previous bout to improve his record to 3-0. As a result of Pastor's draw, Burman is now in 1st place.

***

Undercard Action

* 12th-seeded Detroit native Sonny Banks continued his unexpected charge towards the semi-finals with a unanimous decision victory over #8 seed Randy Baez (60-53, 58-55, 60-53).

Banks put in a spirited effort when he was defeated on debut by #1 seed Harry Wills. He's also shown in his two bouts since that he has a ton of heart and determination. He upset the league's #4 seed Ernie Schaaf five weeks ago in the Bronx and tonight's win has propelled him into 2nd place in Group A.

The Detroit warrior was in fantastic form. After a slow start, he dominated round two and then sent Baez crashing to the canvas early in the third. From that point on, Banks was stunningly in control, only improving as the bout progressed. When it was over, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Banks is now 2-1 while Baez fell to 1-1-1 and fell out of the top two.

* In a battle of 0-2 fighters it was New Jersey's Jack O'Halloran who picked up his first win. It was a messy, heated contest with O'Halloran doing enough but by no means impressive against the even-more-inept Ray Impelletiere of Cold Springs, New York. The scorecards read 60-54, 57-57, 59-55.

* Massachusetts-born 4th seed Ernie Schaaf finally recorded his first victory when he defeated Wichita's Dan Hodge by unanimous decision (60-55, 59-56, 58-57).

Schaaf was never troubled, but he didn't bring the crowd to their feet, either (as Sonny Banks had).

With his record now 1-1-1, his only chance to make the semi-finals rests on him winning his final two bouts and hoping that Banks loses one of his.


SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2002
COCONUT CREEK CASINO, COCONUT CREEK, FLORIDA, USA
THE U.S. ATLANTIC COAST BOXING LEAGUE


OPENING BOUT

(12) Sonny Banks UD6 (8) Randy Baez

PRELIMINARY 1

(7) Jack O'Halloran MD6 (11) Ray Impelletiere

PRELIMINARY 2

(4) Ernie Schaaf UD6 (9) Dan Hodge

SUPPORT BOUT

(3) Clarence Burman MD6 (10) Bruce Crickett

CO-FEATURE

(2) Bob Pastor D6 (6) Joe Alexander

MAIN EVENT

(1) Harry Wills D6 (5) Tim Carlisle

[kenyan_cheena]

MASON IS ENGLAND'S LATEST BOXING HERO

Wednesday 17 April 2002

Jamaican-born Englishman Gary Mason arrived back in his home country today following his sensational 2nd round TKO of Argentina's Oscar Bonavena in Buenes Aires last Friday.

Greeted by a throng of media and boxing fans at London's Heathrow Airport, he was immediately whisked away in a stretch limousine and was sitting in the Sky Sports television studio thirty minutes later.

During an interview with boxing commentator and writer Stuart Goddard, Mason revealed that he had been visiting family in America and Jamaica for the past few days, delaying his return home.

The 66th seed in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship tournament spoke of how he had readied himself for the reception that would greet him in London, but when he stepped off the plane it still amazed him.

"I saw what happened after Joey Beckett defeated Jack Johnson," he said. "I know that what I achieved wasn't as big as that, but it's pretty close. I just hope that the hysteria isn't the same. I really think that people's expectations made it difficult for Joey in his last two bouts. I really hope he can get back on track in his next fight. It would be great to see him at least qualify for the European Championship tournament. No one needs extra pressure put on them, because it's hard enough succeeding in this sport as it is."

Mason spoke of the challenge that awaits him in his next bout: 15th seed Jack Sharkey.

"He was just incredible on Friday night," Mason said. "If I catch him in that form, I'll be lucky to win a round, seriously. I know, people say that if I hadn't defeated Bonavena, he wouldn't have fought so impressively. I don't believe that at all. But this is a great opportunity for me, and I'll be doing everything I can to improve my chances of victory. But, please, don't everyone get carried away again and start saying I can win the World Championship. Let's take it one fight at a time."

22 year-old Mason is clearly a level-headed young man, something that makes it all the more easy to cheer for him. One can only wonder what will happen when he steps into the ring against Jack Sharkey in 30 days from now...

[kenyan_cheena]

BRAVE SAMOAN UMAGA ALMOST
GOES THE DISTANCE WITH HAYNES

Thursday 18 April 2002

In what must be considered one of the most courageous performances seen in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's short history, Samoa's Kalolo Umaga took a terrible beating but almost made it to the final bell against Florida's Terone Haynes. Having absorbed all that Haynes could throw at him, Umaga tasted the canvas for the first time with 48 seconds left in the bout. He just beat the count but was down again with 20 seconds to go. Umaga made it to his feet and it looked like he might survive. But a final brutal barrage from the Florida Alliance member left the referee with no choice but to stop the contest just seven seconds from the bell.

The audience at Bangkok's Future Park for this HBF South-East Asian Boxing League fight card was treated to a main event that lasted much longer than anyone - with perhaps the exception of Terone Haynes himself - had expected. Back on Tuesday, Haynes had spoken of Umaga's toughness and of how the Samoan and his "right hand like a mule kick" would be respected.

Haynes made an entrance to the ring that was quite understated in comparison to the theatrical affairs of his opening two bouts. He was only accompanied by a bass-heavy, pounding hip hop anthem, his cornermen and fellow Florida Alliance member Tommy Gomez, all of them decked out in black.

When the bout finally got under way it became clear that, indeed, Haynes was showing Umaga more respect than he had afforded the unfortunate men who had contested him in his first two bouts. Haynes dominated proceedings through the first three rounds, rattling Umaga's cage on a number of occasions. But this Samoan was made of stern stuff, and he wasn't scared of firing back at his bigger opponent, even throwing himself off his feet when he unloaded and missed with a big right hook. Haynes' big power shots, though hurting Umaga and rapidly swelling his face, weren't having the same devastating effect they'd had in his earlier bouts.

(to be continued)

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(continuation)

To the audience's delight, Umaga traded trash talk with the Floridian at the end of the third, letting him know that the task of finishing him off would not be an easy one.

Haynes responded with his best round of the fight, punishing the Samoan with a series of sledgehammer-like blows during the fourth. There were devastating combinations that should have seen things come to a close. Referee Joseph Rollins was on the verge of stopping the contest late in the round, but Umaga made him re-consider when he unloaded a counter right hand that bounced off the #1 seed's forehead and brought enthusiastic applause from the audience.

In the fifth, Umaga came closer to winning a round than at any other time during the fight. It may have been due to Haynes slowing down somewhat, but even if that was the case, Umaga was able to land more shots than in any other round.

The two men touched gloves before the start of the final round, the crowd coming to their feet in applause. Umaga's left eye was badly swollen, his right sporting a cut on the brow. It was clear that Haynes was still intent on maintaining his 100% KO record, as he went to work on Umaga with urgency. The Samoan was rocked by a straight right a minute into the round, but as the seconds ticked away and he remained on his feet, it looked like he might just achieve what had been considered impossible: going the distance with Haynes.

What was so admirable about Umaga's effort was that he never backed off, never tried to skirt around the ring or stay away from his opponent. He stood right there in front of him and traded shots. The audience tried to cheer Umaga home, chanting his name as the final bell drew nearer.

But then came the killer combination that signalled the beginning of the end: a straight right quickly chased by a left hook and a right hook that deposited Umaga onto his backside. He sat there, panting and exhausted, before starting to push himself up at six. He just beat the count, but Haynes came right back at him. A single, crushing body blow 20 seconds from the bell sent Umaga to his knees. Grimacing in pain, he rose at five, giving the referee a look that said "don't you dare stop this thing". But moments later, Rollins had no choice but to do so when Haynes unleashed a crushing right hand that sent the Samoan stumbling into the ropes. A left and a right later, Rollins pulled Haynes away, waving his arms and then wrapping them around the brave, spent 5th seed, just seven seconds from the final bell...

"Told all o' y'all to respec' the brother," Haynes said after. "He jus' a warrior, man. No doubt. Took my best shots and just kep' comin' back for more. Can't tell y'all how much respec' an' adm'ration I gots for the brother."

Umaga had been taken from the ring minutes earlier, exhausted, bloodied and bruised. Haynes was asked how he felt about almost being taken the distance.

He laughed. "Well, felt good gettin' this kinda workout," he said. "First two bouts I barely raise a sweat, y'all. Really had to work hard tonight, don't mind it at all, man. Guess it's nice to keep the KO streak, but if Kalo'd survive 'til the end, I ain't gon' complain, y'all. Really jus' hope he can win his next two bouts, maybe sneak into the semis. He deserve it, man. He just a brave brother."

Considering that Haynes landed 188 of 333 punches (56%), Umaga's survival until deep into the final round is even more extraordinary. Of those 188 punches Haynes landed, 58 were hooks and 44 were uppercuts. Umaga, the first man to land a punch on Haynes, connected with 47 of 188 blows (25%).

LAYNE PROFITS FROM HEENEY'S (AND BECKERMAN'S) MISFORTUNE

Earlier, in the evening's Support Bout, Utah's Rex Layne joined Rocky Marciano as the only fighter in the entire Heavyweight Boxing Federation to have scored three stoppage victories inside of three rounds when he destroyed South African 10th seed Oupa Maoto via 2nd round TKO.

Maoto was down just 29 seconds into the contest courtesy of a single right cross and was lucky to survive the round. Layne dropped him again 58 seconds into the second and after a further minute of punishment, the referee had seen enough and called the bout off 2:08 into the round.

Immediately after, Layne would take sole possession of 1st place in Group B when the bout between #2-seeded New Zealander Tom Heeney and the Australian 6th seed Jack Beckerman was declared a technical draw after a bad headclash in round three opened a terrible cut on Heeney's forehead.

Both 2-0 coming into the bout, Heeney and Beckerman could not mask their disappointment in the minutes following the abrupt stoppage. Heeney appeared to be in serious pain, not just from the sickening head collision but also from the knowledge that this bad fortune had led to him losing his hold on 1st place in the group.

The situation is quite dire for Heeney, with his next bout against Layne himself. The winner will almost certainly finish in 1st place, but if Heeney loses and Jack Beckerman defeats 11th seed Uola Malafo, Heeney will find himself in 3rd place in the group with just a single bout to go before the semi-finals...