The Heavyweight Boxing Federation

[kenyan_cheena]

HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION
ON SHOW AT THE MILLENIUM DOME

Wednesday 3 July 2002

Following on from last night's Northern European Boxing League event in Denmark, the Heavyweight Boxing Federation moved south to London, England today for the latest World Championship / 1st Defense tournament fight card.

The Millenium Dome venue was packed to within a few hundred of its 25,000 capacity by the time the first bout got underway, with a large majority of them either Englishman there to cheer on Alex Stewart or Irish fans ready to push countryman Tom Sharkey to victory against Canada's Sam Langford in the main event.

The federation had done a great job of promoting and building up the event during the past few weeks and based upon the atmosphere within the dome, all that work paid off big time...

A bout-by-bout account of the card follows...

OPENING BOUT

Needing a win to maintain any chance of progressing to the 1st Defense tournament's second stage, Minnesota's Scott LeDoux lost a split decision to Stan Ward in a back and forth, awkward contest.

The messy nature of the bout was clear to see in the scorecards: American judge Shafeaq Rashada scored rounds two, three and four in LeDoux's favour while judge John Wright of Australia gave those same three rounds to Ward. The final scorecards read 58-56, 56-58 and 59-55 for Ward.

There were no knockdowns in the fight and few would disagree that Ward was a deserving winner. He showed more energy and urgency, especially in rounds two and five when he outlanded LeDoux by a 2:1 ratio.

Both men are now 3-3 and while Ward's career streak to date runs LWLWLW, LeDoux will surely be ruing a disappointing last two bouts. Five weeks ago, he was clearly outclassed before being KO'd in the final round by Tony Galento. Tonight, he never looked comfortable and so after sitting in 3rd place at 3-1 after series four, he has now been mathematically eliminated from any chance of progressing. It will make it all the more difficult to push himself to a solid effort when he steps in the ring against Rocky Marciano next month.

No matter what happens in their final 1st Defense tournament bouts, LeDoux and Ward will certainly each be given a mid-to-low-range seeding in the Continental Americas tournament.

PRELIMINARY 1

The miserable World Championship tournament campaign of South Africa's Gerrie Coetzee continued as he fell to 1-5 after a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Chicago's John Holman (58-55, 60-53, 58-56). It was Holman's second consecutive victory after an 0-3-1 career start.

Coetzee was competitive in the top half of the bout but when Holman sent him to the canvas with a single left hook 2:16 into round four, all the fight seemed to go out of him and Holman cruised to victory.

PRELIMINARY 2

Like Holman, Australia's Joe Goddard also recorded his second consecutive victory. He defeated New Jersey native Jim Savage by unanimous decision, with each judge scoring the contest 57-55.

Both men had shown tremendous resilience with little reward in their previous bouts. Goddard had been in draws against both Joe Baksi and Tom Sharkey and also lost a razor-thin split decision to Alex Stewart while Savage had held Stewart and Sharkey to draws and lost a split decision to John Holman in his last bout.

The Australian has gained the admiration of each of his opponents and with his record now 2-2-2, it's likely that he'll be invited to take part in the HBF's Asia / Oceania Championship tournament.

SUPPORT BOUT

It was the bout that many of those in attendance had come to see and, unlike in his unconvincing London debut back in January, hometown boy Alex Stewart didn't disappoint. He's been involved in some absolute nailbiters during this World Championship tournament but he recorded his most convincing victory to date tonight with a 59-55, 59-56, 59-55 unanimous decison verdict against New York's Joe Baksi.

Stewart pounded Baksi into submission in the early rounds and although the American rallied briefly in the fifth, Stewart was never in danger of losing. His record is now 4-1-1, this victory a nice return after the domination that top seed Sam Langford inflicted upon him back in May.

"I've put myself in a position to control my own destiny," said Stewart afterwards. "No matter what happens in tonight's main event, I'll be fighting for a top two spot next month against Sharkey. I'm happy about that and I'm going to make my preparation for that fight superior to what I've done in every other contest up 'til now."

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

CO-FEATURE

Like Scott LeDoux in the evening's opening contest, New Jersey's Tony Galento needed a victory to have any chance of progressing to stage two of the 1st Defense tournament. His opponent? Only the #1 seed, the man known as "The Brockton Blockbuster", Rocky Marciano.

Galento made his way to the ring with a solemn expression on his face, akin to a man approaching the electric chair. He'd been made the 16th seed in the tournament by the HBF back in November, which meant they expected him to progress to at least stage two. But that countenance he showed spoke of a resignation to failure before the bout had even begun.

Marciano was taken the distance for the first time five weeks ago against Stan Ward, breaking a career-starting streak of four stoppage victories inside of three rounds. Those who have observed him know that he's not the type taken to episodes of self-promotion and bragadociousness. If anything, the phrase "Lets his fists do the talking" seemed to be penned especially for him.

Yes, like LeDoux, Galento needed a victory and, like LeDoux, he fell to defeat and as a consequence fell out of the running in the 1st Defense tournament. Marciano produced another awe-inspiring showing, dominating the first four rounds in comprehensive fashion before finishing Galento off with the first and only knockdown of the fight. His workrate and aggression was something to behold, reducing the big New Jersey slugger to something approaching helplessness. The end came when a flush left hook sent Galento stumbling backwards to the canvas. He tried briefly to make it back to his feet but collapsed when still on his knees, being counted out 2:24 into round five.

The audience greeted Marciano's sledgehammer salvos with loud applause and, in surreal moments, hushed silence after some of the particularly destructive strikes. It must be said that Galento showed tremendous courage and resolve to stay on his feet as long as he did. He absorbed some shots that would have had most of the World Championship tournament's leading contenders out cold. But he rarely fired back, as the punch totals show. Marciano landed 169 of 342 punches (49.4%), Galento 49 of 66 (74.2%).

Although it has never been in doubt, Marciano clinched a stage two birth with his victory. He'll be joined there from Group One by either Frank Slavin or Jose Luis Garcia. The two will clash next month to settle it and it will be an admirable achievement for whoever emerges as victor.

Standings in Group One of the 1st Defense tournament following series six

1. 1(1) ROCKY MARCIANO (USA), 6-0-0(5)
2. 6(48) FRANK SLAVIN (AUSTRALIA), 5-1-0(2)

3. 7(56) JOSE LUIS GARCIA (VENEZUELA), 4-2-0(1)
4. 2(16) TONY GALENTO (USA), 3-3-0(3)
5. 3(24) STAN WARD (USA), 3-3-0
6. 4(32) SCOTT LEDOUX (USA), 3-3-0(3)
7. 5(40) MIKE SCHRECK (USA), 0-6-0
8. 8(64) OSCAR PHARO (USA), 0-6-0

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

MAIN EVENT

With the completion of Marciano's dissection of Galento, the evening's main event was only minutes away. Good friends out of the ring, Canada's Sam Langford and the Irishman Tom Sharkey were ready to go to war against each other in it, both men adorned in their national pride as they made their way to the ring. Sharkey received a thunderous ovation from the Millenium Dome audience as he made his way down the aisle in a robe of green with white trim, sweat slick on his forehead, determination in his eyes. Minutes later, Langford followed wearing a white robe trimmed with red and sporting the Canadian flag across its shoulder blades.

Plenty was at stake for both combatants in this anticipated matchup. For Langford (5-0-0(1)), a win would secure his birth in the second stage of the World Championship tournament. It wouldn't do the same for Sharkey (3-0-2(2)), but it would keep him undefeated, a status he was quite proud of. A win would also keep him in 2nd place in the Group Nine standings and, looking ahead to next month, would guarantee that Alex Stewart would need to defeat him in their series seven clash in order to qualify for stage two.

The tension and electricity was palpable in the air as the two pocket rockets prowled the ring during the formalities. When they came together in the centre of the ring, any and all signs of friendship were miles away, each man staring daggers into the other, respect and resoluteness showing in their unwavering eyes...

(to be concluded, with a round-by-round breakdown of Langford v Sharkey!)

[Romdawg88]

I'll admit that I didn't really care much about this fight before but that intro has me pumped to see how it plays out.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

I'll admit that I didn't really care much about this fight before but that intro has me pumped to see how it plays out.

Thanks, Romy. I think I can say with almost 100% certainty that you will enjoy this fight...

[kenyan_cheena]

* * *

HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
THE MILLENIUM DOME, LONDON, ENGLAND
WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2002

THE MAIN EVENT

SAM LANGFORD (CANADA)

5-0-0(1)
184 lbs, 5'8"
#9 seed in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's
World Championship tournament

vs

TOM SHARKEY (IRELAND)

3-0-2(2)
189 lbs, 5'8"
#24 seed in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's
World Championship tournament

* * *

(Ringside observations from the London Herald's boxing writer Douglas Bates)

ROUND ONE

The bell rings to start this eagerly awaited bout, bringing us across the border between anticipation and arrival. Langford starts out in a busy fashion, flicking out a series of sharp jabs with those long arms of his. But it's the Irishman who lands the first good shot of the bout, a flush left hook thirty seconds in that brings a chorus of approval from his many supporters in the crowd. It doesn't back Langford up, but he nods acknowledgement before going back to work, peppering Sharkey with that jab, pressing the action.

As the round progresses its clear that Langford is the aggressor, throwing a lot of punches, some simply range-finders, others landing cleanly. Sharkey is cautious, right hand cocked but Langford's workrate is keeping him on the defensive and on the backfoot. It's impressive to observe the Canadian in the flesh. He's everything that people have said about him: professional, aggressive and skillful.

Langford hurts his man for the first time in the fight late in the piece, a straight right snapping Sharkey's head back and sending him against the ropes. Langford swarms, rapid-fire lefts and rights catching Sharkey, concerned reports amongst the audience. He covers up and fires back, manages to squirm his way off the ropes and is on the retreat as the round ends.

*

Without a doubt, Langford has taken that first round, not only outworking Sharkey but also hurting him. He received a warm round of applause as he returned to his corner, this crowd more than just one-eyed Irishmen.

My scorecard: Langford 10-9

Punch totals for Round One

Langford: 26/61 (42.6%)
Sharkey: 7/22 (31.8%)

ROUND TWO

Sharkey is nodding as he moves forward to meet his opponent at the start of the round, perhaps some kind of resolution he's made with himself? Likely, as the Irishman shows twice the aggression in this stanza, a great round that has the crowd on their feet for sustained periods.

Letting his hands go early, Sharkey is apparently prepared to walk through Langford's jabs to land a telling blow. He muscles his way inside and catches the 9th seed with a crunching uppercut, portions of the audience howling their delight. Langford's response is immediate and effective, a left-right-left salvo backing Sharkey up.

Pandemonium errupts midway through the round as they stand toe-to-toe "swinging for the fences", as the Americans would say. It's an admirable battle of wills and manhood as these two finely-tuned combatants go all out just to see who will blink first ... and surprisingly it's Langford that does the blinking! A left hook followed by a straight right wobbles him briefly and he backs off to regather himself.

Sharkey is confident now and he seals an excellent round by catching his man with a right hook on the forehead moments from the bell. Sharkey shouts and pumps his fist towards the crowd, rapid steps taking him back to his corner.

*

If that round is anything to go by, it looks like we have an absolute classic ahead of us. Sharkey has thrown down the gauntlet, showing that he will be exactly what the experts predicted.

My scorecard: Sharkey 10-9
(19-19 after Round Two)

Punch totals for Round Two

Langford: 19/43 (44.2%)
Sharkey: 29/84 (34.5%)

Punch totals after Round Two

Langford: 45/104 (43.3%)
Sharkey: 36/106 (33.9%)

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Great action so far. Man, no one does a big fight quite like you KC.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

Great action so far. Man, no one does a big fight quite like you KC.

Thanks, Romy. The next post will take us through to the conclusion of the bout and it should arrive around this time tomorrow.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation of post #1086)

ROUND THREE

Very little of note happens during the top half of the round, with both men circling each other and throwing out the occasional shot before tieing each other up. Langford lands a number of jabs, keeping Sharkey at a distance more than anything else. But at the 1:35 mark it livens up considerably. After Langford is unsuccessful trying to double up on the jab there's a brief but fierce exchange, both men scoring shots but Langford coming out of it the better, the audience applauding the action.

It's from that point on that the Canadian asserts his will, dominating the rest of the round and catching Sharkey with a series of flush shots: two minutes in, a hard combination rocks Sharkey, putting him back on his heels, followed by a jolting uppercut and a sneaky, snapping right hand shortly after. The Irishman has little as a response and Langford peppers him with the jab, connects with the uppercut from in close and, in an eye-popping moment, makes a little room for himself and staggers Sharkey with a lightning trio of jabs and then a straight right, the bell sounding before he can do any more damage.

*

Langford showing his class in that round, no doubt. I have to say that no other competitor in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation has impressed me more through the organisation's first six months of life than this young man. Sharkey will have to dig deep to pull this fight out.

My scorecard: Langford 10-9
(Langford 29-28 after Round Three)

Punch totals for Round Three

Langford: 38/92 (41.3%)
Sharkey: 6/21 (28.6%)

Punch totals after Round Three

Langford: 83/196 (42.3%)
Sharkey: 42/127 (33.1%)

ROUND FOUR

As was the case in the third, round four opens quietly, the first minute uneventful although Langford is clearly the busier fighter. He brings a groan from the Irish sections of the crowd when he drops the right hand on Sharkey, sweat spitting from his head as it snaps around on impact. He wabbles backwards but regains his senses quickly and is able to wrap Langford up in a clinch.

Sharkey is looking like he's out of gas at the moment, content to tie Langford up and avoid any exchanges. The Canadian scores with his staple, that pumping jab. Swelling is starting to appear on the right side of Sharkey's face.

Just when it seems the Irish slugger has already offered his all, he lands a big right hand. The shot clearly hurts Langford, the pain showing on his face. But Sharkey can't follow it up and it's actually the Canadian that fires away, ripping a left-right combo to the body and missing with a right hand to end the round.

*

Clealry, Sharkey is just holding on at this point. He's never had to face anyone with Langford's aggression and skill to this point in his career and he's finding a world of trouble trying to repel him. He needs to turn the contest around now, or else he'll be undefeated no more in about fifteen minutes.

My scorecard: Langford 10-9
(Langford 39-37 after Round Four)

Punch totals for Round Four

Langford: 23/51 (45.1%)
Sharkey: 7/19 (36.8%)

Punch totals after Round Four

Langford: 106/247 (42.9%)
Sharkey: 49/146 (33.6%)

(to be continued)

(Sorry, I know I said the next post would go through to the conclusion of the bout but I've just typed this up at home before going to work. The rest of the fight will be up in about four hours, I promise.)

[Romdawg88]

Jeez, Langford landed over twice as many punches in the third as Sharkey did in the third and fourth combined. Things don't look to good for Sharkey right now but something tells me that things will change in the next couple of rounds cause otherwise I don't see were the hype was coming from for this fight as Sam is just cruising right now.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

ROUND FIVE

Sharkey's trainer has given him the mother of all sprays during the intermission, and it seems to have worked as the Irishman comes out firing. He pumps the left jab out at Langford, catching him with a trio of shots and then lands a crushing left hook! What a shot that was! Langford is still standing but that shot definitely shook him up!

Langford inititates a clinch, still trying to get his bearings back. Moments after they're separated Sharkey unloads, a left-right-left salvo finding the target! The crowd is going ballistic, cheering on the Irishman. This is a completely rejuvenated Tom Sharkey we're seeing here in round five. Langford better keep his wits about him. The #9 seed retaliates with a flurry, connecting with at least two shots.

My, oh, my, Sharkey is giving this all he has, clearly outworking Langford in this round. He pins the Nova Scotia native in a corner, unleashing a body attack that Langford fends off effectively. Langford shows some impressive evasive skills, footwork getting him out of the corner and then he catches Sharkey with a booming straight right. What a round this has been. Oh, Sharkey catches Langford again! That right hand bounced hard off his head and Langford is stumbling backwards! He's staggered and the crowd love it!

This is the first time in his career that Langford's taken this type of punishment and I don't know if he'll be able to stay on his feet! Sharkey is unloading, but his shots are either missing or bouncing harmlessly off the Canadian's arms, which are crossed in front of his head. Langford ties Sharkey up in a clinch, appearing to prefer a dance than to fight at this stage. What an amazing change in the complexion of this fight we've seen here in round five. Langford looks tired and Sharkey has just backed off after what looked like a head butt.

This round has had everything and Sharkey solidifies his hold on it when he lands back-to-back left hooks, sending the sweat spraying into the front row. Langford is up against the ropes and when Sharkey tracks him down and unleashes a short, crunching right hook, he's retreating into a neutral corner. The final seconds of the round are ticking away now and OH! Both fighters threw the left at the same time but Langford's landed first! Sharkey buckles at the knees but doesn't go down. The bell sounds but they keep on punching! Sharkey landed a shot a full second after the bell and Langford fired back angrily. The referee pulls them apart and the crowd are on their feet, applauding a fantastic three minutes of boxing!

*

Well, that has really got this arena excited! What a round, easily the best of the fight. Sharkey did exactly what he had to. He dug deep and produced the most effective, damaging three minutes of boxing that anyone has put in against the Canadian. This fight is not over yet. If Sharkey can produce something similar in the final round and perhaps score a knockdown, he could steal a victory.

My scorecard: Sharkey 10-9
(Langford 48-47 after Round Five)

Punch totals for Round Five

Langford: 19/41 (46.3%)
Sharkey: 38/115 (33.0%)

Punch totals after Round Five

Langford: 125/288 (43.4%)
Sharkey: 87/261 (33.3%)

ROUND SIX

The crowd comes to their feet as the sixth and final round begins, the two combatants touching gloves before resuming their battle. There's considerable swelling under Langford's left eye, almost entirely brought on by Sharkey's fifth round assault. The Canadian looks to have recovered from the shots he absorbed, though, and starts the round nicely by catching Sharkey with a pair of jabs and a powerful combination. Throwing five quick punches he lands three of them, the final one snapping Sharkey's head around on his shoulders, forcing him to backpedal.

Sharkey fires off a retort, a right hook that lands flush and forces Langford into a clinch. The crowd boos momentarily and Langford is the first to react once they've separated, a booming left hook stunning Sharkey. What follows is one of those exchanges that makes the observer's heart skip a beat: a left hook from Langford, Sharkey absorbing and countering with a big straight right, following up with a left hook before Langford steps in and times the uppercut sweetly. The Canadian backs off, perhaps thinking he's now done enough to win the fight. He bleeds precious seconds off the clock, the round entering its bottom half before he traps Sharkey in a corner, fires away with a right cross that fails to finds the mark.

The tough Irishman jolts Langford with a straight right, backing him up and allowing Sharkey some space to move. Sharkey is not going to die wondering tonight and he tries to land the big haymaker but finds only air, almost throwing himself off his feet. The fight is nearing its conclusion now and both men are close to spent. Sharkey works his way inside and connects with a short left hook. As the timekeeper signals the last ten seconds, the crowd rise as one in applause, Langford's sharp left to the body the final punch landed in the contest.

The bell sounds and Langford and Sharkey embrace in the middle of the ring, exchanging congratulations on a gutsy effort, both then walking around the ring arms raised, each believing they've done enough to win.

*

A fitting end to what has been a fantastic bout. That was the closest round of the fight and really the only one where both fighters could lay claim to the ten points. Because of that, I'll score it 10-10, but the judge's will probably do otherwise. Has Langford done enough to take a decision that seemed foregone after four rounds? Or has that late rally been enough to keep Sharkey undefeated? We'll know the answer in a couple of minutes.

My scorecard: 10-10
(Langford wins the bout 58-57)

Punch totals for Round Six

Langford: 25/58 (43.1%)
Sharkey: 21/65 (32.3%)

Punch totals after Round Six

Langford: 150/346 (43.3%)
Sharkey: 108/326 (33.1%)

(Coming shortly ... the Judge's verdict!)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Five minutes after the final bell, the ring was crowded with corner crews, media and HBF officials. Announcer Frank Kirkland was handed the scorecards and took up the microphone at centre ring.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I will now reveal the judge's scorecards for this outstanding main event," said Kirkland. "Judge Levi Martinez, judge Donald Balas and judge Pierre Benoist, all of the USA, have all scored the bout 58-56, to the winner by unanimous decision, SAM LANGFORD!!!"

(Post fight wrap-up to follow)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

Langford and Sharkey were interviewed together after the verdict.

"This guy already had my admiration and respect," said Langford. "But after that effort, it's only increased. He's got the heart of a lion and I really hope that he can make it through to the second stage."

Langford's words were greeted with warm applause by the audience.

"I knew that I would be in for a tough night," Langford continued. "I prepared for it and I'm glad that I did because, even though Tommy was struggling a little to start with, that fifth round was just a war. He threw everything he had at me and I just thank the Lord that I had the strength to resist it and stay on my feet. I think maybe Joe Goddard's the only one who's come close to testing me like that. I just feel fortunate that I've qualified for the second stage. I'm gonna continue in this tournament into next year and that's a great feeling. I've heard people saying that it's not a big deal, but maybe they would think differently if they'd been through all the training it takes. It's a huge relief to know that it's all paid off."

"It takes a lot of the pressure away," said the Canadian, when asked how the victory will impact his next fight. "I'll step into the ring knowing that the result is not so important. Of course, I want to finish the stage 7-0 but it gives me a chance to experiment, I guess. Try out some different tactics."

"This guy is just incredible," said Sharkey. "If I was a betting man, I'd be putting my money on him to win this whole thing because he has everything needed to go all the way. The height doesn't matter because Sammy has the aggression to compensate for that. He's got the quick hands and the ring smarts to compete with anyone. I felt like I couldn't relax at all, even when I had the upperhand there in the fifth. I knew that Sam could come back at any moment and he did that at the end of the round. I'd love to fight him again someday, but I know that's not possible in the immediate future. I'll just have to settle for cheering him on, I guess."

"That's going to be a huge challenge," Sharkey said of his August 7 bout against Alex Stewart. "You know, it's for all the marbles, as they say. Whoever wins it is gonna join Sammy in stage two so I'll have to train even harder for that fight than I did for this one. I've got a big month ahead of me."

The ring had been cleared out some fifteen minutes later, the crowd also heading for the exits at the conclusion of a fantastic night of boxing. As Sharkey said, his next fight against Alex Stewart will determine who finishes stage one in 2nd place in Group Nine. It promises to be a contest every bit as exciting as tonight's main event...

Group Nine Standings

1st: Sam Langford (Canada) 6-0-0(1)
2nd: Alex Stewart (England) 4-1-1

3rd: Tom Sharkey (Ireland) 3-1-2(2)

[kenyan_cheena]

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2002
MILLENIUM DOME, LONDON, ENGLAND


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
3(24) Stan Ward SD6 4(32) Scott LeDoux

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Nine
8(120) John Holman UD6 7(104) Gerrie Coetzee

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Nine
5(72) Joe Goddard UD6 6(88) Jim Savage

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Nine
3(40) Alex Stewart UD6 4(56) Joe Baksi

CO-FEATURE

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
1(1) Rocky Marciano KO5 2(16) Tony Galento

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Nine
1(9) Sam Langford UD6 2(24) Tom Sharkey

[Romdawg88]

That was a heck of a fight especially the fifth round. It was worth the hype. Hopefully, Sharkey/Stewart will be just as good.

[Ric915]

Great Fight.. And incredible write up

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Romdawg88

That was a heck of a fight especially the fifth round. It wa