The Heavyweight Boxing Federation

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

My guess is that Tommy Jackson will win his bout and simplify things a tad.

Yep, if he beats him, Ettore can kiss his chances goodbye. But if Ettore wins, Jackson can kiss goodbye to his. So one of them will be out of contention after the next series.

[GForce]

Been a while since I ventured in here, KC, but glad to see this is still rolling and as quality as ever. Keep up the great work.

GH

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by GForce

Been a while since I ventured in here, KC, but glad to see this is still rolling and as quality as ever. Keep up the great work.

GH

Thanks, GForce.

I think we've all missed your posts in the FBA, so here's hoping you can get back to that in the future.

I'm looking forward to the next chapter in your Austin James story, also.

[GForce]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Thanks, GForce.

I think we've all missed your posts in the FBA, so here's hoping you can get back to that in the future.

I'm looking forward to the next chapter in your Austin James story, also.

Thanks. Austin's story should have a lengthy writeup Tuesday.

As for the FBA, it's not dead by any stretch, I just have very little time and the Austin dynasty is a higher priority. But I'll be back with the FBA before too long.

GH

[kenyan_cheena]

"I APOLOGISED TO HIM"

Thursday 2 May 2002

With what must be one of the most "out of left field" sports-related announcements of recent times, New York Age journalist James Reynolds revealed today that he has ended his so-called "Anti-Elmer Ray" campaign.

Writing in his first New York Age column since being struck down by illness last week, Reynolds made a number of admissions in regards to his behaviour during the past months and spoke of a previously unreported face-to-face meeting with Elmer Ray himself.

Following is an extract from the Reynolds article, as it appears in today's New York Age:

***

I've always been a man who "stuck to his guns", as they say. When I formulate a belief or an opinion on a subject, I stick to it. I back it up to the hilt. On many occasions, in many situations and during many debates this has been to my detriment, but it's been a philospophy that I've stuck with for most of my adult life.

During these past twelve days, I've had a lot of time to reflect on some of the choices I've made, some of the causes I've championed and the individuals I've been critical of. I have to say, a serious illness - one where, for a time, you actually feel like death is near - can really make a person look back on the path that has led them to their current station in life.

I found myself remembering events, people and feelings that had not drifted into my conscious thoughts for many months or even years. Gatherings with family and friends, great sporting moments, personal triumphs. And what occured to me, when I began to contemplate these past few months, was the absolute grouch, the utter sourpuss, that I had become.

I was sitting there in my hospital bed, last week on Wednesday, just trying to understand what had become of the old James Reynolds. I was trying to fathom how I had somehow destroyed a friendship with a man who I had called a close friend for so many years, how I had alienated so many of my colleagues in the press and how I had come to believe that a young man who is quite possibly one of the most electrifying athletes to come along since Michael Jordan, should be banned from competing in his chosen sport.

Laying there in my hospital bed, I suddenly felt like a veil had been removed from in front of my eyes. As if my vision, which had been obstructed for these past few months, had suddenly become so clear.

I realised, to put it bluntly, what an ass I had become.

And then something happened that I believe many of you reading this will find hard to believe. As I was lying there with the very thought in my mind that I must contact Elmer Ray and somehow apologise to him for all the terrible things I'd written about him, a young black man walked into my room. He was dressed in street clothes: baggy white track pants, basketball shoes, an oversized jacket. His eyes were concealed behind a pair of shades and he wore a black baseball cap. He was carrying a package at his side, rectangle shaped. He smiled, removed his glasses and there he was: Elmer Ray was standing right there in front of me.

I'm sure my expression must have been one of shock or bewilderment, because his smile disappeared briefly. But then he spoke to me like a gentleman.

"I heard you been sick, Mr. Reynolds," he said, in that streetwise tone of his. "Just thought I'd come and visit and see how you doin'."

He gave me the package he was carrying, which turned out to be a gift. I opened it and I must say, it astounded me that such a young man would select such a wonderful gift. Elmer Ray had given me an autographed copy of Leonard Wilson's wonderful new publication "In Pictures and Anecdotes: The History of Major League Baseball".

For someone who I had been nothing but hostile towards to go out of their way to not only visit me, but bestow upon me a gift that I will always treasure ... it simply overwhelmed me. This 17 year-old had done something that I would have never allowed my pride to suffer.

I apologised to him. I apologised to Elmer Ray for every scornful article I'd written about him during these last four months...

***

Reynolds' article went on to describe how Elmer Ray told him that it was the journalist's comments after the January incident in Japan involving Buddy Baer that had led him to tone down his behaviour. Ray had hoped that Reynolds would start to warm to him as his behaviour improved, but when he didn't, the Hastings-born slugger had decided to disregard his comments and just concentrate on his boxing.

The journalist finished the article with the proclamation that he would by attempting to rebuild the relationships he has damaged during these past few months, but whether the general public will believe this "change of heart", we'll have to wait and see. Surely, an attempt will be made to confirm with Elmer Ray that he actually did visit Reynolds in the hospital, as the boxer himself has not made a single mention of the visit during the week since it apparently took place.

One very interesting question ... what will this mean for Reynolds relationship with Michael Vincennes? The HBF President had said back on April 6 - in the aftermath of the revelation of the International Boxing League and the journalist's critical comments regarding the HBF - that Reynolds had "burned up any possible bridge of friendship I might extend to him in the future." Will Vincennes be prepared to accept Reynolds offer of friendship?

Stay tuned, folks. Stay tuned...

[Romdawg88]

Good stuff, of course I wonder if that actually happen or if Reynolds is full of crap but if it did it's good to see Elmer/Vincennes/Reynolds calm down and get along.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Good stuff, of course I wonder if that actually happen or if Reynolds is full of crap but if it did it's good to see Elmer/Vincennes/Reynolds calm down and get along.

Yeah, I'm actually wondering how it will all pan out myself.

[kenyan_cheena]

JOIN THE CLUB

Thursday 2 May 2002

Russia's Genadi Yantchev has become the latest #1 seed in the HBF's feeder leagues to take a stumble, being held to a draw by Bulgaria's Alexander Dafouska (5th seed) in a heated contest. With both men sporting 2-0 records coming into the bout and the group lead at stake, something had to give.

The Russian slugger started well, showing some impressive defensive skills in the opening round, in addition to a crisp left jab. The action picked up in round two, with Dafouska having more success but not enough to take the round.

But that improvement continued into round three and when the #1 seed found himself on the canvas two minutes in, an upset looked a real possibility. Yantchev took a knee to the canvas after an accumulation of body blows had him wincing in pain. Making the most of the count, he made it to his feet at the eight count and did very little for the rest of the round except breath heavily as Dafouska stalked him around the ring.

The next two rounds were very even affairs but the ringside consensus was that the Bulgarian was winning the bout. He'd cut Yantchev over the left eye in round five and had landed the heavier blows in contrast to the Russian's voluminous jab.

But Yantchev took the final round convincingly, coming close to depositing Dafouska onto his backside and as it would turn out, those final three minutes saved him from defeat as the judge's scorecards were 58-56 (Dafouska), 57-57, 57-57.

***

The evening's Co-Feature gave the audience at the Futuroscope Park a big surprise, as Germany's undefeated 2nd seed Markus Stober was brutally knocked out in the opening round by South Africa's Shakes Qoboza.

Having been untroubled in his first two tournament bouts, Stober was expected to run his record to 3-0 against the South African. But Qoboza's intentions were clear from the moment the bell sounded. He staggered the 2nd seed with a big left hook early and overwhelmed him with aggression. Stober just did not expect such an offensive onslaught and when he was caught by a flush right hand, it was the beginning of the end. Qoboza followed up with a left hook, a right uppercut and a left-right-left flurry that had Stober out on his feet. The coup de grace was a crunching right hook that sent Stober to the canvas.

He made a brief attempt to rise, getting to his knees before falling flat on his face and being counted out 2:18 into round one.

Qoboza's shocking onslaught brought enthusiastic applause from the audience and the South African revelled in the aftermath of his victory...

***

Tonight's results have simply added to an unfortunate trend that has befallen the top two seeds in the feeder leagues since the beginning of the third series of tournament bouts.

The sixteen fighters were a combined 32-0 through the first two series, but have been a bizarre 4-3-5(1) during the last three weeks.

The reason for this could be that they have been going up against 5th and 6th seeds in their leagues, and it might just illustrate the even nature of these feeder leagues.

(Coming up: the Futuroscope Park undercard)

[kenyan_cheena]

THE FUTUROSCOPE PARK UNDERCARD

Opening Bout

Belgium's 8th seed Jean-Pierre Coopman claimed his first professional victory with an impressive 2nd round TKO of Slovenia's Drago Bencek.

After a non-eventful first round, Coopman went on the attack in round two and the referee stopped the contest at the 2:33 mark with Bencek on the ropes and unable to defend himself.

It was a disappointing result for the 12th-seeded Slovenian, who had upset 4th seed Vittorio Campolo in his last bout.

Coopman is now 1-1-1(1) while Bencek falls to 1-2(1).

Preliminary 1

In an action-packed fight, Croatia's Lovro Alanovic and Lithuania's Leonidas Jaskucionis went blow for blow for six rounds before having to settle for a draw.

Alanovic brought a 2-0 record into the contest but the Lithuanian started the bout on fire, dominating the opening round before Alanovic responded strongly. He dropped Jaskucionis with an uppercut a minute into the second round and then all but finished him off in round three.

But Jaskucionis survived and rallied. The final three rounds were hard fought and both men had their moments, but the final scorecards read 57-57, 59-55 (Alanovic), 57-57.

Coming into the night in 2nd place in Group B, Alanovic would later watch 2nd seed Markus Stober hand him the lead when Shakes Qoboza KO'd him in the first round of the evening's Co-Feature.

Jaskucionis is now 1-1-1.

Preliminary 2

In an all-Italian affair, Vittorio Campolo always had the better of Nini Perroni before knocking him out late in the final round.

Both men were searching for their first win and the 4th seed Campolo rebounded from a surprising loss in his last bout to score a convincing win. he floored Perroni midway through round three and then again in the final round.

Perroni was counted out five seconds from the final bell.

Like a few other fighters in the league, Campolo moves to 1-1-1(1) while Perroni remains winless at 0-3.

Support Bout

This was a contest between a couple of Group B bottom feeders.

Both 0-2, disappointing German slugger (and 3rd seed) Hans Birkie and Spain's Pablo Ramirez put on a mildly entertaining display where the momentum shifted on more than one occasion.

But in the end it was the German who secured his first victory. Birkie took a split decision verdict, 58-57, 57-58, 58-57.


SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2002
FUTUROSCOPE PARK, POITIERS, FRANCE

THE SOUTHERN EUROPE BOXING LEAGUE


OPENING BOUT

(8) Jean-Pierre Coopman TKO2 (12) Drago Bencek

PRELIMINARY 1

(7) Lovro Alanovic D6 (11) Leonidas Jaskucionis

PRELIMINARY 2

(4) Vittorio Campolo KO6 (9) Nini Perroni

SUPPORT BOUT

(3) Hans Birkie SD6 (10) Pablo Ramirez

CO-FEATURE

(6) Shakes Qoboza KO1 (2) Markus Stober

MAIN EVENT

(1) Genadi Yantchev D6 (5) Alexander Dafouska

[kenyan_cheena]

RAY CONFIRMS REYNOLDS VISIT:
VINCENNES INDIFFERENT TO
JOURNALIST'S CHANGE OF HEART

Friday 3 May 2002

Speaking from his home in Hastings, Florida, boxer Elmer Ray today confirmed that he did indeed pay a visit to New York Age journalist James Reynolds while he was a patient at the Brooklyn Hospital Center last week.

Writing in yesterday's edition of the paper, Reynolds described the details of Ray's visit to him and also announced that he had ended his hostile campaign against the boxer.

The reaction to Reynolds' story during the past twenty-four hours has been split, with some believing that the journalist is only concerned with keeping his job with the daily publication after rumours that the Age's upper management were growing tired of his anti-Elmer Ray stance.

Larry Brewer of the Boston Express is one of those who are unconvinced.

"This is all just a little bit too convenient," Brewer said. "Elmer Ray confirmed today that he did visit Reynolds. That's all fine and good and I think it's a stroke of luck for Reynolds, perhaps the only thing that gives his story credibility. But I don't believe for one moment that he's done this due to some sort of marvellous epiphany he experienced while lying in his hospital bed. He's a grown man who must have known when this all started back in January that it was just a ridiculous direction he was going in. James Reynolds is only interested in keeping his job and once he realised that his opinion of Elmer Ray was putting that in jeopardy, he changed his tune."

In contrast, there are almost as many who believe that Reynolds has had a genuine change of heart on the matter, that his serious health problem did lead him to question some of the decisions he's taken recently.

"This sort of thing has happened to many people," said New York-based practising psychologist Leon Goldberg. "Experiences that bring about great stress and actually put a person's life in danger, be it a serious illness or an accident have been known to change the individual's outlook on life. They feel like they've been given another chance and that leads to them contemplating their life to that point. Now, I'm not sure how ill Mr. Reynolds was, but I think it's clear that his illness has had a strong impact on his outlook on life."

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

When asked why he had not spoken of his visit with Reynolds, Elmer Ray was blunt and to the point.

"Figure that ain't anyone's business, man," he said. "You know, y'all, I heard the man been sick, and was in the hospital. See, I had mad respec' for Mr. Reynolds before I start boxin'. Used to read his stories 'bout the NBA and the NFL. But when he start rippin' me over my attitude, that affec' me a bit. But after a while, I just forget about it, 'cause it got to bein' obvious that the dude had some problem. Like a lot of people was, I lose some respec' for him. But when I hear he sick, I get to thinkin' maybe a peace offerin' was the thing to do. You know, I was in NYC, so the timin' was good. I ain't never wanted no beef with Mr. Reynolds but I went outta my way to patch it up, y'all. Didn't see any reason for me to announce that to the world, man. But it ain't no problem for him to do it, 'cause he the one who started things."

HBF President Michael Vincennes, having arrived back in New York just yesterday from Australia was quite indifferent with his opinion on the matter.

"I haven't spoken to James Reynolds for some time and I'm not sure what I would say to him if I did," said Vincennes. "Apparently, he's decided that he doesn't want to criticize Elmer Ray anymore. That has very little to do with me, aside from the fact that Mr. Ray is an employee of the HBF. I said not that long ago that Mr. Reynolds is nothing to me now. I still feel that way and I really don't know if I would be willing to reconcile my former friendship with him. That's something I'd have to think very carefully about, because the things he said to drive a wedge between us were considered statements. They weren't spontaneous "off the cuff" remarks that one might be easily forgiven for. They were designed to undermine the HBF and to draw anger from myself and many others."

Vincennes finished by saying he was much more interested in the HBF's upcoming fight cards.

"We've got the event in Liverpool tonight, with Kenny Norton headlining it and then tomorrow night our 4th seed Larry Holmes is going to put on a show for our Mexican fans. I've been very busy these past few weeks and I'm really looking forward to putting my feet up and relaxing and watching these two events."

[kenyan_cheena]

NORTON SWEEPS TO VICTORY
AFTER GROUP RIVALS FALTER

Friday 3 May 2002

San Diego's Ken Norton maintained his perfect record with a faultless unanimous decision victory against Denver's Leroy Jones at the Everton Park Sports Arena in Liverpool, England.

Having scored a pair of 2nd round stoppage victories in his previous two bouts, Norton employed a more restrained strategy tonight, confirming after the bout was over that he had wanted to "get some rounds under my belt".

Well, the strategy worked as each judge awarded him every round for a 60-54 (x3) victory. The 13th seed in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship tournament used his jab much more than usual, showing that he is as effective at boxing as he is at straight-out slugging, dominating every round.

"I'm a versatile fighter," Norton said. "I think I showed that tonight and I gotta say it was nice to go the distance. I felt good, felt fit and it was just an enjoyable fight."

The man who some have started calling the "Black Hercules" due to his sculpted frame once again entered the ring decked out in gear that sported the label of the fitness company he's signed a promotional contract with, Trimline. He thanked them during the post-fight interview.

"They've just been so helpful with my training, my preparation," Norton said. "I can honestly say that I would not be in as good a shape if not for Trimline."

Norton's comprehensive victory appeared even more impressive as it came after a pair of bouts in which Group Thirteen's 2nd and 3rd seeds (Donovan Ruddock and Buster Mathis) were both held to draws.

* In the evening's Support Bout, the perfect record of the Michigan-born Mathis evaporated against the hard-working Massachusetts slugger Tom McNeeley.

It was an unusual bout, with Mathis looking terrific in rounds two, three and five while McNeeley had the better of the first, fourth and final rounds. The scorecards were 57-57, 58-56 (Mathis), 57-57.

Mathis is the tournament's 36th seed and he spoke of the respect he has for McNeeley after the verdict.

"I saw him go toe-to-toe with Kenny Norton on debut and then five weeks after that he almost stole a victory from Ruddock," Mathis said. "So I knew the guy was dangerous. He's just a tough S.O.B., it's as simple as that. I wanted to win this fight so badly but every time I thought I had him on the ropes, he came back."

* Canada's Donovan Ruddock was held to the second draw of his career in an armwrestle of a bout with Harlem's Coley Wallace.

After an explosive opening round, the momentum literally shifted from round to round and the Harlem native - stopped on cuts inside of two rounds against Norton five weeks ago - was giving Ruddock all he could handle. In the end, it was almost enough.

The scorecards showed 57-57, 58-56 (Ruddock), 57-57 and the Jamaican-born 20th seed had once again failed to back up his claim of late December where he had said he should have been seeded closer to the top ten.

* The folly of Ruddock's failure was amplified by the fact that Sioux City's 52nd seed Gerald Griffith had scored an easy unanimous decision victory against Jesse Ferguson in the bout preceeding Ruddock's, improving his record to 3-0-1(1).

Ferguson was sent to the canvas in round five and never came close to troubling Griffith, who now finds himself in 3rd place in the group standings due to Ruddock's stumble.

EARLIER BOUTS

Opening Bout

In an action-packed start to the night, Connecticut's Bernie Reynolds recorded a unanimous decision victory over New York tough guy Jeff Merritt, but only after being almost TKO'd by a rampaging Merritt in the 3rd round.

However, a knockdown late in the final round secured the decision for Reynolds, improving his record to 3-1(1) with a 58-55 (x3) verdict.

Reynolds is the 29th seed in the 1st Defense tournament and tonight's win has consolidated his hold on 2nd place in the standings for Group Four.

Preliminary 1

South Carolina's Wayne Bethea improved to 3-1(1) with a questionable 1st round TKO victory against New Jersey's Mel Turnbow.

The fight was stopped due to a cut that opened over Turnbow's right eye late in the round. Even though camera shots showed that the fight probably could have continued, the ring doctor judged that the cut was severe enough to bring the contest to a close, despite the protests of the New Jersey slugger and his corner.

Turnbow remains winless at 0-4 and has been stopped within four rounds (in various fashion) in his last three bouts.

[kenyan_cheena]

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
FRIDAY 3 MAY 2002
EVERTON PARK SPORTS CENTRE, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Four
4(29) Bernie Reynolds UD6 7(53) Jeff Merritt

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Four
3(21) Wayne Bethea TKO1 8(61) Mel Turnbow

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Thirteen
4(52) Gerald Griffith UD6 7(100) Jesse Ferguson

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Thirteen
3(36) Buster Mathis D6 8(116) Tom McNeeley

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Thirteen
2(20) Donovan Ruddock D6 6(84) Coley Wallace

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Thirteen
1(13) Ken Norton UD6 5(68) Leroy Jones

[kenyan_cheena]

LEWIS SET TO RESTORE
SOME CANADIAN PRIDE

Saturday 4 May 2002

Undefeated Olympic Super-Heavyweight gold medallist Lennox Lewis will return to the ring on Tuesday night in the third series of bouts for the Canadian Boxing League.

Being one of a quintet of Canadian boxers who most experts believe will make a major splash in the HBF (the others being Sam Langford, George Chuvalo, Donovan Ruddock and Robert Cleroux), Lewis will be hoping for an impressive showing after the recent efforts of Chuvalo (a loss to Tommy Jackson) and Ruddock (a draw with Coley Wallace).

"I'm not really motivated by that, to tell you the truth," said Lewis, when asked if he felt any desire to restore some Canadian pride. "I'm just focused on getting a win, really. I'm not under any illusions about the quality of opponents in the CBL. I know that I should make it through this initial tournament with a perfect record. And knowing that means that I really have to make sure my preparation is as perfect as it can be. I can't afford to underestimate anyone."

Indeed, Lewis's opponent on Tuesday night is the 0-2 Joe Lannon. The league's 5th seed has been competitive in both of his bouts but is not expected to give the Olympic Champion much trouble.

"If I go into the fight believing that, I'm just asking for trouble," said Lewis. "He'll get as much respect as anyone. But if I get an opportunity to finish it quickly, I'm going to take it."

[Romdawg88]

I'll keep this short, WAR Joe Lannon.

[kenyan_cheena]

HOLMES SCORES FIRST
STOPPAGE VICTORY IN SALTILLO

Saturday 4 May 2002

Pennsylvania's Larry Holmes has concluded the fourteenth week of competition in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments with a 5th round TKO of California's Henry Clark.

In front of thousands of Mexican boxing fanatics, Holmes recorded the first stoppage victory of his career and, whether intentionally or not, fired back at those critics who have been critical of his "boring" style and "cold, introverted" demeanour.

(to be continued in about five hours)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Holmes was in electrifying form, showing the skills that have led many experts to pencil him in as their favourite to become the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's inaugural World Champion. The possessor of what many call "the best jab in the HBF", Holmes was on song with his bread and butter punch but also showed a more aggressive mindset than in his previous bouts, landing some punishing left hooks and a number of stiff uppercuts.

Clark brought an 0-2-1 record into the contest. Understandably, he was a heavy underdog but to his credit he showed a good deal of heart during the bout, standing and trading some powerful shots with Holmes during round three.

The beginning of the end commenced in round four, when Holmes went to town on Clark, staggering him three times during the round with crisp, rapid combinations. The World Championship tournament's 4th seed had the crowd on their feet as he peppered the Californian from all angles, sweat spraying from Clark's head with each crushing blow.

52 seconds into round five, Clark tasted the canvas for the first time in the bout, courtesy of a flush left hook. He was up at two and after the eight count Holmes went right back to work, dropping him for a second time at the 2:09 mark with a four punch combo chased by a single body shot. Clark made it to his feet again (at five), but when Holmes came charging in and tagged him with a huge straight right and then a left hook, the referee pulled the Pennsylvanian aside and called an end to the contest 2:22 into the fifth round.

Holmes didn't mince words during the post-fight interview, making his opinion clear in regards to the criticism that has been levelled at him.

"Come on, man," he said. "Do you really think that I'm gonna change my style because a couple of people who know nothing about the sport say that I'm boring? Give me some credit. I know the type of fighter I am and I ain't gonna change for anyone. I'm not a braggart. So what? That ain't my way either. I do my talking in the ring, man."

Holmes trainer Saoul Mamby was not in the mood to comment on the issue.

"I said all I have to say on that five weeks ago at the Sovereign Center," Mamby said. "I ain't gonna repeat myself. But I would like to commend Henry Clark for his gutsy showing tonight. He really took some big shots and kept on coming back. He really gave Larry a good workout, which is never a bad thing. Larry has given each of his opponents a lot of respect, which is a good part of the reason for his success. We haven't been complacent through this whole thing and we ain't gonna start now."

At the time of the stoppage, Holmes had landed twice as many punches as Clark (148 to 72) and was leading 40-36 on all three cards.

Whether tonight's sensational performance will silence the critics, only time will tell. But it's pretty clear that Larry Holmes doesn't care, one way or the other. This tremendously talented young man is on a clear path to the second stage of the World Championship tournament and, most likely, beyond...

(coming up ... the Saltillo undercard)

[kenyan_cheena]

THE SALTILLO UNDERCARD

* In the evening's opening bout, the 1st Defense tournament's 13th seed Jim Maloney improved his record to 2-1-1(2) with a 5th round KO of Norway's Steffen Tangstad.

The Boston, Massachusetts native dominated the opening two rounds and came close to putting the Norwegian away in round two. But Tangstad muscled his way into the contest and after four rounds, he trailed by a single point on two of the cards and had drawn level on the third.

But that was as good as it would get for him. 53 seconds into round five, Maloney displayed his knockout power with a perfect left hook that dropped Tangstad to the canvas like he'd been shot. He did not move for the duration of the count and the bout was over at the 1:04 mark of round five.

Maloney's win has kept his chances of qualifying for the tournament's second stage alive, with his next bout a must win against the man currently sitting in 2nd place in Group Four, Connecticut's Bernie Reynolds.

* Cleveland's Johnny Risko maintained his undefeated record with a unanimous decision victory against Italy's Lorenzo Zanon in a bout that was closer than the final scorecards (59-57, 60-55, 58-57) indicated.

This was not a convincing performance from Risko, with the winless Italian making him look quite ordinary at times, in particular during the opening two rounds. Risko was lucky that he was up against such a limited opponent, or the result might have been different.

But Risko himself would tell you that a win is a win, and with a record of 3-0-1, the World Championship tournament's 61st seed is right in the picture as far as proceeding to stage two is concerned.

* A convincing unanimous decision victory against North Carolina's James Broad has kept Minnesota's Harry Thomas entrenched in equal 1st place in Group Four of the WC tournament.