The Heavyweight Boxing Federation

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In the Atlantic City Co-Feature, 22 year-old New Yorker Bob Pastor scored an easy unanimous decision victory over Ray Impelletiere of Cold Springs, New York. Pastor is the 2nd seed in the Atlantic Coast Boxing League tournament and is therefore likely to meet Harry Wills in the tournament final. He dominated Impelletiere, winning every round on every card to take the decision 60-54 (x3).

Earlier in the night, #6 seed Joe Alexander of New York City and #10 seed Bruce Crickett of San Francisco engaged in a lively, action-packed contest. The judges were all of differing opinion as to the winner, and as a result the fight ended up a draw, 59-55 (Alexander), 58-56 (Crickett), 57-57.

The second bout of the night also finished as a draw, with #5 seed Tim Carlisle of New York and #9 seed Dan Hodge of Wichita, Kansas slugging it out to the end in another entertaining fight. The verdict was 58-56 (Carlisle), 57-57 (twice).

Unbelieveably, the third bout of the evening brought about a hat-trick of draws, with the 4th seed Ernie Schaaf of Massachusetts and 8th seed Randy Baez of McCune, Kansas fighting to a disputed draw. Many felt that Baez had done enough to win the bout, having outlanded Schaaf 141-111. Nonetheless, the final verdict read 58-56 (Baez), 58-56 (Schaaf), 57-57.

The fourth fight on the card ended the run of draws, with Clarence Burman of Baltimore, Maryland taking a tough unanimous decision victory over a home state favourite, Jack O'Halloran of Runnemede, New Jersey. Despite putting up a spirited effort, the local kid was obviously outmatched. Burman took the decison by scores of 59-55, 60-54 (twice).

***


SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2002
BOARDWALK HALL, ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY, USA

THE U.S. ATLANTIC COAST BOXING LEAGUE


OPENING BOUT

(6) Joe Alexander D6 (10) Bruce Crickett

PRELIMINARY 1

(5) Tim Carlisle D6 (9) Dan Hodge

PRELIMINARY 2

(4) Ernie Schaaf D6 (8) Randy Baez

SUPPORT BOUT

(3) Clarence Burman UD6 (7) Jack O'Halloran

CO-FEATURE

(2) Bob Pastor UD6 (11) Ray Impelletiere

MAIN EVENT

(1) Harry Wills MD6 (12) Sonny Banks

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OSAKA OBLITERATION!!!
HAYNES SENDS OUT WARNING SHOT WITH
1ST ROUND TKO!!!

Thursday 7 February 2002

OSAKA, JAPAN

Florida native Terone Haynes could not have made a more eye-catching announcement of his presence amongst the ranks of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation than he did tonight at Osaka's Prefectural Gym.

Headlining the eagerly-awaited first fight card of the South-East Asian Boxing League, Haynes scored an awesome 1st round TKO victory over the Cleveland-based Nigerian Thomas Biobaku.

The 6'6", 252 pound giant simply destroyed the Nigerian, landing 39 punches to 0 and sending Biobaku to the canvas twice before referee Frank Cappacino called a halt to the onslaught nine seconds from the end of the round.

Like his cousin Elmer Ray before him, Terone Haynes made a spectacular entrance to the ring. But while Ray's performance on 11 January was pure showbiz, Haynes's spoke of nothing but sheer intimidation.

Following Biobaku's arrival to the ring, the lights in the arena dimmed, eventually descending to complete darkness. A level of excitement and anticipation that surpassed anything previously seen at a HBF fight card had been present amongst the crowd the entire night, and this sudden change in the arena only helped to elevate it. Within moments, a deep double-kicking bass beat throbbed out of the gymnasium's speakers, akin to an amplified heartbeat. It continued to thud slowly, until the arena spotlight focused on a group of men dressed in black cloaks from head to toe who had just entered the main aisle leading to the ring. They moved slowly, four of them carrying some sort of large rectangle-shaped package, while a fifth member, taller and broader than the others walked behind them, head bowed. By this time, the bass beat had been joined by haunting, Hendrix-like guitar wails that would fade in and out as if dive bombing. In parts, they were being cut to pieces with the flick of a wrist, with rolling thunder lurking not far below in the mix. The audience were astounded, shocked and excited, all at once.

As the men neared the ring, it became evident that what they were carrying was a coffin, a black one. They set it down in the centre of the ring and then backed away to stand near the ropes, while the one following them stood momentarily outside the ring, arms on the ropes, seeming to stare in the direction of Thomas Biobaku. The Nigerian appeared to take the whole spectacle with a large dose of indifference, a nonchalant gaze upon his face. He would later say that any confidence he had felt in regards to his chances of victory had vanished before the opening bell.

Stepping into the ring, the fifth member walked over to the coffin and rested one foot upon it. Then he removed his hood and showed Biobaku a stare so withering it would put Sonny Liston's recent efforts to shame. Terone Haynes wore his hair in thick, short cornrows. Those eyes of his bore into the Nigerian for another ten seconds before he simply turned and slowly moved to his corner. Haynes removed his robe to reveal a physique that, on its own, was probably enough to destroy Biobaku's self-belief.

The trainers of the #1 seed in the HBF's South-East Asian Boxing League had made their way to the ring almost unnoticed, while the entourage removed the coffin from the canvas and placed it on the floor at ringside.

Soon after, the two men come together in the centre of the ring. Dressed in solid black trunks, Haynes towered some seven inches taller than Biobaku, staring down at him without the slightest hint of remorse or sympathy for what was to come. Biobaku looked into Cappacino's eyes as he relayed the instructions, his expression seeming to say, "Can we stop this thing now, before I get hurt?"

The opening bell sounded and the audience cheered as the event they had looked forward to since its announcement on January 17 had finally arrived. The two fighters moved to centre ring, but Haynes marched forward aggressively, trapping Biobaku in his own corner. The Florida fighter landed a lead right, enough to unbalance Biobaku and make him scamper out of the corner, his feet momentarily taking him to safety.

Haynes tracked him down but Biobaku was able to smother his bigger opponent's attack, initiating a clinch that Cappacino quickly separated the fighters from. The Haynes left jab snapped out twice, the Nigerian avoiding the punches. He showed Haynes a lot of upper body movement but almost appeared too scared to throw a punch. He danced away again, and once more, Haynes cornered him.

A right hand buckled Biobaku's legs, his countenance a mask of bewilderment. However, instead of continuing to attack his opponent's head, Haynes tore into Biobaku's rib cage, left and right rips punishing the overwhelmed Nigerian fighter.

As soon as Biobaku attempted to protect his torso, Haynes resumed his head hunting, a left hook snapping Biobaku's head around before a wicked straight right sent him crumbling to the canvas, 1:13 into the round. Bravely, Biobaku made it to his feet, just beating the ten count.

Cappacino allowed the action to continue and Haynes came in mercilessly, shouldering his man into the ropes when he tried to clinch. Another left hook almost sent Biobaku to the canvas, but he kept his footing and moved back out of range, simply trying to survive.

Haynes showed that his own foot speed was better than some had believed, as he easily cornered Biobaku, once again working away at his ribcage. The Nigerian winced in pain and was able to tie Haynes up, waltzing him across the ring.

The #1 seed pushed him off, and Biobaku backed into a neutral corner. Haynes threw a left hook that cannoned off Biobaku's shoulder and then a sickening punch, a right hook that bounced the Nigerian off the ropes and to the canvas for a second time at the 2:40 mark.

Up at the count of six, the Nigerian looked finished, his face a blank mask. But Cappacino allowed him to continue. As Haynes went in for the kill, Biobaku stumbled backwards in retreat, almost tripping over his own feet and leaning heavily on the ropes.

Haynes looked to Cappacino and would later reveal that he shouted to the referee, "Don't let him continue, man!" And that's exactly what Cappacino did. Without another punch being thrown, he stepped between the two fighters and ended the massacre at the 2:51 mark of the 1st round...

[kenyan_cheena]

...Terone Haynes prowled over the canvas with a slightly disgusted set to his sneer, eyeing a number of HBF officials seated at ringside. He was akin to a big, powerful panther in a cage, all coiled energy and fury. He really did look like he'd barely raised a sweat, and as his trainers praised him and his still-concealed-in-black entourage circled him, Haynes simply shook his head, disappointed. The audience was buzzing with excitement at what they had seen, some sections sounding off with a rapid chant of "TeroneHaynes! TeroneHaynes! TeroneHaynes!"

"Man, the brother didn't throw a single punch," Haynes said, exasperated. "I jus' wanna know where the federation dug him up from, y'all."

Well-traveled (at least during the last month) ESPN interviewer Bill Farris laughed at the Hastings native's frustration. "To be fair to Thomas Biobaku, Terone, you did do a pretty good job of scaring the bejesus out of the guy before the opening bell."

Haynes dismissed the comment, scratching the back of his neck. "That's just entertainment, baby," he said. "Like we did with my little cuz Elmer, y'all. We just be entertainin' the people."

Farris laughed again. "Well, maybe that's all it was meant to be, but it certainly did the trick on Thomas Biobaku."

"I just hope the HBF got some better opposition lined up for me, you know?" replied Haynes. "Don't mean no disrespect to the brother, but damn, that was just too easy."

"Speaking of your cousin Elmer, we haven't seen him tonight. Could you tell our viewers where he is?"

"Oh, he around," replied Haynes, in a confident, assured tone. "Hastings is 2-0 now, baby. 2-0! This is just the beginnin', no doubt. Next week, y'all, my cuz gonna take us to 3-0, sho nuff."

"Well, Terone, let me just say that your performance tonight was one of the most comprehensive debuts seen so far in the HBF," said Farris. "On behalf of this great audience, I want to wish you all the best for your remaining fights in the tournament."

The crowd applauded its agreement.

Haynes shook Farris's hand. "That's 'preciated, man. Thanks. I wanna thank everyone in Japan that's given the HBF so much support. President Vincennes, he said it in one, y'all. You our biggest supporters out of the States. We jus' love your support, so thanks, all a y'all."

The 23 year-old Florida-born pugilist acknowledged the audience from all four sides of the ring, waving and blowing kisses, before leaving the arena with his training team and entourage trailing behind...

[kenyan_cheena]

THE OSAKA PREFECTURAL GYMNASIUM UNDERCARD

Opening Bout

23 year-old Australian fighter Jack Beckerman emerged with a hard fought split decision victory over South Africa's Oupa Maoto. Many people who watched believed the verdict could have gone either way, with a knockdown that the Australian scored late in the 4th round proving to be of real importance to the outcome. The final verdict read 57-56, 56-57, 58-55.

Preliminary 1

Samoa's Kalolo Umaga showed that, if anything, he'll have a puncher's chance of succeeding in the South-East Asian Boxing League's initial tournament. 22 year-old Umaga knocked down his Ghanian opponent Robert Ado five times on the way to an easy unanimous decision victory, 59-49, 59-50, 60-48.

Preliminary 2

#4 seed Fred Fulton of the USA and 8th seeded Australian Allan Horace had to settle for a draw after seeming to fight inside a phonebooth for six rounds. It was one where all three judges were in unanimous agreement on the verdict. They even awarded exactly the same rounds to each fighter, giving Fulton the 2nd, 5th and 6th rounds, while Horace was given rounds 1, 3 and 4. All three scorecards showed a 57-57 verdict.

Support Bout

21 year-old Lewiston, Utah native Rex Layne started his HBF career with an unconvincing 3rd round TKO victory over an opponent who showed a lot of guts, Taiwan's Jim Chang Kai.
Layne is the #3 seed in the League and started well, showing some impressive combinations in the opening round. But Chang Kai turned the tables in round two, rocking Layne on three separate occasions with damaging right hands and dominating the stanza. Layne would have luck on his side, though, as a single right hand early in round three opened up a terrible gash on Chang Kai's left eyelid, leaving the referee with no alternaitve but to call a halt to the bout, thirty seconds into the round.

Co-Feature

The man who is expected to attempt the unenviable task of defeating Terone Haynes for a shot at a world ranking in just under seven months from now goes by the name of Tom Heeney. A 22 year-old New Zealander, Heeney is the #2 seed in the tournament. In his debut, he showed that, if anything, Terone Haynes has very little to worry about. Not that Heeney performed badly. On the contrary, he dominated his Samoan opponent Uola Malafo. But it was plainly obvious that Heeney simply does not have the tools to trouble Terone Haynes. He is, without a doubt, one of the least strongest fighters in the entire HBF, having to rely on a good left jab and quick feet to get by against his 11th seeded opponent. It was a bit of a shame that one of the judges wasn't paying attention during the bout, as he somehow managed to score the fight a draw, 57-57. However, the other two judges cards reflected the unanimous consensus that Heeney was a clear winner, giving him the verdict 59-55, 60-54.


SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2002
OSAKA PREFECTURAL GYMNASIUM, OSAKA, JAPAN

THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN BOXING LEAGUE


OPENING BOUT

(6) Jack Beckerman SD6 (10) Oupa Maoto

PRELIMINARY 1

(5) Kalolo Umaga UD6 (9) Robert Ado

PRELIMINARY 2

(4) Fred Fulton D6 (8) Allan Horace

SUPPORT BOUT

(3) Rex Layne TKO3 (7) Jim Chang Kai

CO-FEATURE

(2) Tom Heeney MD6 (11) Uola Malafo

MAIN EVENT

(1) Terone Haynes TKO1 (12) Thomas Biobaku

[kenyan_cheena]

PRE-FIGHT STUNT BRINGS FURTHER CRITICISM
FOR ELMER RAY

Friday 8 February 2002

In the wake of yesterday's South-East Asian Boxing League fight card in Osaka, Japan, sports journalist James Reynolds of the New York Age has once again directed his ire towards the 33rd seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament, 16 year-old Elmer Ray of Hastings, Florida.

"That nonsense with the coffin, I can guarantee you that Elmer Ray was behind that," Reynolds said today. "I know it was Terone Haynes fighting, but Elmer Ray is his cousin. You can't convince me that he didn't think that up."

Reynolds was speaking of the main event pre-fight entrance made by Terone Haynes and an entourage of four men who were all drapped in black and carrying a coffin.

"It shows a complete lack of respect for his opponent," Reynolds said. "It sends the message that Terone Haynes has absolutely no regard for his opponent's skills or courage, and that Haynes himself believes that he is so powerful, the only way his opponent will leave the ring is in a coffin. It's disgraceful. I tell you, everything this Elmer Ray kid has done ... everything he does just disgusts me."

There are some who are in agreement with James Reynolds, but many others have dismissed his words as nonsense.

"Give me a break," said Brooklyn's Riddick Bowe, the #5 seed in the World Championship tournament. "That entrance, with the music and the darkness and the coffin ... that was some o' the greatest theatre I've ever seen, man."

Speaking from Reno, Nevada, where he has been preparing for his second tournament bout on 18 February, Bowe said that Reynolds should lighten up.

"I think he wants us all to be like robots," Bowe said. "Seems like he don't want any of the fighters to show emotion, to entertain. Wants us all to be like Larry Holmes, I guess." Bowe laughed at his own comment, before adding, "Just kiddin', Larry. Your cool, brother."

HBF President Michael Vincennes was in agreement with Riddick Bowe, and was quick to shoot down Reynolds on the matter.

"I have the utmost respect for Mr. Reynolds," Vincennes said. "He's an excellent journalist. But he doesn't control the Heavyweight Boxing Federation. I remember what he said after Elmer Ray's debut, that this isn't wrestling. You're damn well right, it isn't. But that doesn't mean it can't be entertaining. And I think that yesterday in Osaka, and all over the world, the people watching were entertained. And I don't think they took offense, either."

"I'm just ecstatic with how this week's feeder league cards turned out," Vincennes continued. "Just look at the results. Four draws in twelve bouts. These men are hungry to succeed, don't doubt that. Each one of them knows that the prize at the end of the tournament is a shot at a world ranking. It's a great prize to strive for."

[kenyan_cheena]

THE HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION'S
"OSAKA FESTIVAL" MARCHES ON

Saturday 9 February 2002

Thursday night's debut fight card of the HBF's South-East Asian Boxing League was, as most of you would be aware, simply the beginning of what is being called the "Osaka Boxing Festival". On Monday night, the federation's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments will be back in action, when Sam McVey headlines the card from the Osaka Dome.

In the meantime, however, the HBF has been busy getting as much mileage out of this extended visit to their most supportive international locale as possible. In the week leading up to Thursday's card, and in the two days since, the federation has staged a number of events for the Japanese people to enjoy: free training clinics, merchandising tents, autograph sessions ... no expense has been spared in further solidifying the affection the Japanese have for the federation.

The 24 fighters participating in the twin Osaka fight cards have presented a positive image for the HBF. In particular, Sam McVey, Tony Tucker and Terone Haynes have done a wonderful job of promoting the fight cards. Elmer Ray, in town to support his cousin in his HBF debut, has also helped out. As is well known, Ray is not one to shy away from the spotlight. Already highly regarded by Japanese fight fans as a result of his eventful HBF debut in Yokohama last month, his engaging, charismatic personality during public appearances has only helped the federation.

The #8 seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament, Californian fighter Sam McVey is happy that the federation's stay in Osaka has allowed him to get to know some of the other fighters better.

"I spent some time with Elmer Ray and Zora Folley," McVey said, his braided hair pulled back from his face. "We had dinner together, just spent the night talking about everything but boxing ... music, movies, other sports like the NBA. Just had a nice night. You know, it's true that we're all competing for the same prize, but that doesn't mean we can't hang out and chill together. I'll be fightin' Zora Folley in a few months, but that won't stop me from gettin' to know the brother."

Elmer Ray himself was in complete agreement with McVey.

"Y'all, Sammy V, he the coolest brother I met so far, see?" Ray said. "Jus' real genuine and laid back. Jus' been a great time we spent here, man."

Ray and his cousin Terone Haynes will have to fly back to the U.S. before Monday night's Osaka Dome card in order to prepare for Ray's second bout on the HBF's Anaheim, California card on Friday night.

"Yeah, bit disappointin'," Ray said. "Woulda loved to see Sammy V fightin', but we gotta take care of our own biz."

The fighters have all been quite overwhelmed by the support that the Japanese public have shown the HBF.

"It's phenomenal," McVey said. "Gotta admit, before I became involved with the federation, didn't know too much about Asian people. Thought the Japanese'd be all cold and unemotional. But, man, they were just goin' nuts the other night when Terone was in there. They have a passion for this sport that's incredible. I'd just really love to see one fo their countrymen make it in the sport."

A native of the coastal town of Oxnard in Southern California, McVey has became quite the Golden State celebrity since his successful HBF debut last month. He is the highest seeded Californian in the World Championship tournament, and seems to be carrying the hopes of the entire pacific coast on his shoulders.

"It's been quite a ride so far," McVey said. "But I ain't got a single thing to complain about. It's all just been like a dream."

On Monday night, Sam McVey will face the 105th seed in the tournament, Houston's Johnny Boudreaux, and will be hoping that his dream start to his career in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation will continue...

[kenyan_cheena]

note: above post has been edited and completed

[kenyan_cheena]

2-0: MCVEY, TUCKER & FOLLEY
VICTORIOUS IN OSAKA

Monday 11 February 2002

Today saw the commencement of the second series of fight cards in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments.

In front of a fanatical, capacity crowd at Japan's Osaka Dome, Sam McVey, Tony Tucker and Zora Folley improved their records in the World Championship tournament to 2-0 with (at least in the case of McVey and Tucker) dominant performances, all three men winning their bouts by way of unanimous decision.

The event was the culmination of what has been labelled the HBF's "Osaka Festival". It started last Thursday with the first fight card of the South-East Asian Boxing League from the Osaka Prefectural Gym, which was headlined by a devastating first round TKO victory by Florida's Terone Haynes. Tonight, the people of Japan were once again able to show the HBF how much they love the sport of boxing.

***

Opening Bout

The evening got under way with a bout between two fighters who had both achieved victory in their HBF debuts, but each in vastly different fashion.

Minnesota's Scott LeDoux (32nd seed in the 1st Defense tournament) will always have the distinction of being the first person to win an HBF bout. Back on 7 January, he opened up the HBF's first fight card by scoring a bizarre 2nd round KO victory over Mike Schreck. In the 35 days since, LeDoux celebrated his 26th birthday, but did little else but train, keeping his focus leveled squarely on this second bout.

His opponent tonight, 21 year-old Australian Frank Slavin, had grinded out a tough majority decision victory over Stan Ward on the HBF's opening night, a result many had looked upon as somewhat of an upset (although only really because Ward was the higher seed). Slavin's performance in the fight had brought him a great deal of confidence, and the #48 seed in the 1D tournament went into his bout with Scott LeDoux feeling that he could pull out another victory.

And that's exactly what he did. In another tough contest, Frank Slavin was able to up his record to 2-0, taking a razor thin unanimous decision, 57-56 on all three cards. In an uncanny repeat of his debut, LeDoux started terribly before flooring his opponent in the 2nd round. But this time, the fight didn't end there. Slavin fought back strongly, winning rounds three, four and five on all three judge's cards. LeDoux finished gamely, but it was too little, too late. He had needed a knockdown in the final round to have any chance of victory, and it didn't happen.

Slavin could not hide his jubilation, amazed that he had managed to beat another higher seeded opponent, while LeDoux was a picture of disappointment. He realised that, after the knockdown he scored in the second round, he had let a great opportunity fall through his fingers.

Preliminary 1

Two men seeking respect and their first win in the HBF squared off in the second bout of the night.

Stan Ward of Sacramento, California clashed with Cincinnati's Mike Schreck. It was a hard-fought contest, a 1st Defense tournament bout in which the 40th seed Schreck showed a lot more stamina than in his debut bout against Scott LeDoux. Schreck was leading the bout going into round four, and it looked like Ward (the 24th seed) was on his way to a second disappointing loss. But it wasn't to be. Ward dug deep, showing what he's capable of as he dominated the second half of the bout to take a unanimous decision, 58-56 on all three cards.

"Man, I'm just so relieved," Ward said. "Going into the fourth, I told myself that I wasn't gonna let this one slip away like I did the first one. I worked hard for this win, and I'm proud of that."

Preliminary 2

The first World Championship tournament bout of the night pitted two 20 year-olds against each other.

South Africa's Johnny Arthur had featured in what most said was the bout of the night when he defeated Lem Franklin by unanimous decision in his HBF debut, while Oakland's Roger Rischer had been frustrated by the 41st seed in the tournament Zora Folley before losing on points.

On this night, the two men contested a bout that, besides the fifth round, did not really reach any great level of excitement. The final verdict was a draw, with one judge heavily favouring Arthur 59-55 any the other two scoring it 57-57.

The 57th seed in the tournament, Arthur was quite disappointed with the verdict, believing he'd done enough to improve his record to 2-0.

"I don't know how the one judge gave me the win so easily, but the other two saw it completely different," a dejected Arthur said. "I'm not happy, because this verdict will make it harder for me to progress in the tournament if I'm still in contention at the end of the first stage."

However, looking at the total punches landed, one could say that Arthur was lucky to escape with a draw, as Rischer outlanded him 131-101...

(to be continued...)

[CONN CHRIS]

This fun to read along with. Will you be listing the records of the top 20 or 30 fighters in a post? Don't want to be a pest, but I have to admit that I am losing track of the pecking order.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

This fun to read along with. Will you be listing the records of the top 20 or 30 fighters in a post? Don't want to be a pest, but I have to admit that I am losing track of the pecking order.

Thanks for the kind words, Chris. Once I've made it through the second series of tournament bouts, I'll be posting the standings for each group. At the moment, almost all the fighters have only fought once each.

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

At the moment, almost all the fighters have only fought once each.

That fact completely escaped me - all the commentary makes it seem like like more has transpired

Off topic, but I was just watching a gym wars session over at Maxboxing with Toney and and an Ausie named Danny Green (about 175 pounds) - I was surprised at how good Toney is off the ropes. Ruiz's huggie style may not work as well as I had thought - I'll keep that comment down here because I predicted a Ruiz win up there

Keep up the good writing

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

That fact completely escaped me - all the commentary makes it seem like like more has transpired

I understand what you mean. I'm going pretty slowly with journalising my universe compared to some of the other ones. I've covered every single fight card that has taken place in it so far, and plan to continue in this way. If you look at the dates, you'll see that the first card was held on January 7, while the most recent one was on February 11. So, it's taken me months just to cover five weeks of action.

[kenyan_cheena]

(...continuation of post #128)

Support Bout

In his HBF debut last month, 21 year-old Arizona native Zora Folley used a persistent left jab as he did just enough to score a unanimous decision victory over Roger Rischer. By his own assessment, he "didn't set the world on fire", but was happy with his performance.

On that same night, Lem Franklin of Alabama had worked a lot harder against a tougher opponent, losing a unanimous decision to Johnny Arthur. However, for Franklin, the result was not as important as the positives he took from the bout. He had turned in a truly gutsy performance and felt confident about his future in the World Championship tournament.

Tonight, the two men clashed in an exciting bout where once again, Lem Franklin showed a ton of heart and determination but, unfortunately for him, lost by unanimous decision.

Folley's quick, aggressive start in the opening two rounds would prove to be enough to secure the verdict. The 41st seed scored with a series of precision combinations. The two combatants treated their appreciative audience to some classic exchanges during the middle rounds, especially in the second and third as Folley and Franklin stood toe-to-toe for extended periods, trading hard shots. By the end of round four, both fighters were cut: Folley over his left eye, Franklin under his right. Without a doubt, Zora Folley knew he was in a war and that his opponent was made of sterner stuff than Roger Rischer. Going into the final third of the bout, two judges had it level at 38-38, while the third felt Folley had been more impressive, favouring him 39-37.

The action slowed in the fifth, with both men showing signs of fatigue following the furious pace they had set. The 73rd seed Franklin was hanging tough, and although he did not win the round, his performance in it served to simply increase the respect that Zora Folley was feeling towards him. That was what made it so sad to see Franklin unable to answer Folley's final round onslaught. The Arizona man landed two separate right hands - early in the round and late in the round - that should have dropped Franklin to the canvas. But he stayed on his feet until the final bell, when the two men were given a standing ovation.

Folley had landed 168 punches to 127, and was awarded the unanimous decision, 59-55, 58-56, 58-57.

"I can't tell you how much respect I have for this guy," Folley said, motioning to Franklin. "He showed a lot of heart last month, and he really brought out the best in me tonight. Anything less, and I think the result could have been quite different. I really hope that he can break through for a victory next time out."

(That won't be easy, as Lem Franklin's next opponent is the #25 seed Tony Tucker)

The audience responded warmly to Folley's kind words. But understandably, Franklin was not as upbeat as he had been after his opening night loss.

"So much hard work, and nothin' to show for it," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "I knew when this thing started, it wouldn't be easy. Didn't know it would be this hard to handle the losing. But, guess I gotta just suck it up, and look ahead to the next fight."

Co-Feature

Tony Tucker's performance in his HBF debut was considered the most impressive of all those featured on the federation's first fight card. His 2nd round TKO of Johnny Boudreaux was a real eye-opener, a bout that showed off both the Michigan native's punching power and ability to finish off his opponent.

On the flipside, Chilean fighter Arturo Godoy was quite easily defeated by the #8 seed Sam McVey in his debut. Although he had fought gamely, Godoy had simply been no match for McVey.

Tonight, in his second bout, it would be a very similar story for the Chilean, as Tony Tucker improved his record to 2-0-0 (1) with a six round display of boxing skill that was every bit as impressive as his TKO of Boudreaux had been (and for entirely different reasons). Landing 173 punches to 70, the 25th seed in the World Championship tournament illustrated that he must be considered a chance to win this tournament, if not then at least to still figure in the latter stages of it. Despite once again showing his resilience, Godoy was never in this fight, with two of the judges giving him only the second round, leading to a unanimous decision for Tucker, 60-54, 59-55 (twice).

"I did what I had to do," said Tucker. "I'm not gonna get too excited about this. No offense to Arturo, he's a tough fighter. But I was supposed to win, and anything else would have been a big disappointment. So, I'm happy I got this fight out of the way without any trouble."

Godoy revealed soon after the bout that Tony Tucker gave him a much harder time than Sam McVey had on the HBF's opening night.

The signs for Tucker's future success in the tournament look very good. He knows that the really challenging fights are still to come, and hasn't allowed himself to get excited by results that are expected. As for Godoy, well, it can only get easier for him from here. He went the distance with the top two fighters in his group. Hopefully, he'll be able to taste some success in his upcoming bouts.

Main Event

In a truly dominating performance, #8 seed Sam McVey pitched a shutout against Houston's Johnny Boudreaux. The Californian was in control for the duration of the bout, never even looking like he would lose. He pounded the Texan, landing 204 punches to 55, destroying Boudreaux's will and determination with a steady stream of left jabs and dazzling combinations.

However, what most found to be truly exceptional about McVey's performance was the patience he displayed. It was obvious from early on that nothing short of a miracle would save Boudreaux from defeat. Knowing that he was simply too good for his opponent, McVey did not fall into the trap of becoming careless. He continued to show respect for Boudreaux's ability right up until the final bell, winning all but a single round on a single judge's card to take the unanimous decision, 60-54, 59-55, 60-54.

He may not be ranked amongst the strongest fighters in the World Championship tournament, but McVey has shown in his opening two bouts that he is a terrifically skilled boxer. His defense is proving impeccable, and his ring smarts are superior to most of his competitors. A look at some punching stats from his two fights, both 6 round unanimous decisions, show the ease with which he has achieved victory.

SAM MCVEY
punches landed per round: 29.7
punches thrown per round: 70

SAM MCVEY'S OPPONENTS
punches landed per round: 12.9
punches thrown per round: 36.6

"I'm so happy to make it to 2-0," McVey said, soon after the fight. "These first two bouts really made me nervous. I was frightened of losing, because the HBF thinks I have a shot at winning the Championship. I don't want to make them look bad for seeding me so high. So, yeah, I'm happy and relieved to have gotten to 2-0 unscathed. Everything's going just fine."

The HBF has decided that during the third series of fight cards, those top seeded fighters who have yet to fight in their home town, or even their home country, will be given that opportunity and honor. As a result, the third fight card for Group Eight will be held in the state of California, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, only 60 miles from McVey's hometown of Oxnard.

"I can't tell ya how much I'm looking forward to that," McVey said. "To be fighting in front of my own people ... that's gonna be somethin'."

McVey expressed how amazed he is at how far he's come in such a short timespan.

"Man, six months ago, I was unemployed. I was just an unemployed beachbum. I can't believe that I'm doin' this now. It's incredible."

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2002
OSAKA DOME, OSAKA, JAPAN


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
6(48) Frank Slavin UD6 4(32) Scott LeDoux

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
3(24) Stan Ward UD6 5(40) Mike Schreck

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
4(57) Johnny Arthur D6 6(89) Roger Rischer

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
3(41) Zora Folley UD6 5(73) Lem Franklin

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
2(25) Tony Tucker UD6 8(121) Arturo Godoy

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
1(8) Sam McVey UD6 7(105) Johnny Boudreaux

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TRIPLE THREAT SET FOR U.S. DEBUTS

Monday 11 February 2002

story by Miles Roberts for espn.com


One is Canadian, one is an Irishman and one is Italian-American. Not one of them stands taller than 5'11", and the oldest of them is just 24. Each one of them performed outstandingly during their Heavyweight Boxing Federation professional debuts last month, and on Wednesday night, they'll be back in action at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

I'm speaking, of course, of Sam Langford, Tom Sharkey and Rocky Marciano. A lot has happened since these three dynamos scored impressive victories at the London Arena on January 9, so much so that it seems as if they have almost been forgotten. The Elmer Rays and Jack Johnsons of the HBF have done a good job of dominating the spotlight, but that has suited Langford, Sharkey and Marciano nicely.

Even so, I thought it would be worthwhile to find out how these three tremendously talented young men's lives have changed during the past five weeks...

* The highest seeded Canadian in the HBF's World Championship tournament and THE shortest man in the tournament at just 5'8", Sam Langford put on a display that belied his size in his HBF debut. He unleashed a fearsome beating onto Chicago's John Holman, a man six inches taller than him, before taking a runaway unanimous decision victory. Langford's performance in the London Arena main event left many in the building with jaws agape, astounded by this little man's sheer boxing brilliance.

After the fight, Langford would reveal himself to be a man of strong religious beliefs, and when he returned to his hometown of Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, the #9 seed in the World Championship tournament continued to be heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of his local church, Mount Beulah Baptist Church.

"There is nothing that comes before my faith in and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ," Langford said. "If He said to me to stop boxing tomorrow, that's what I would do. It's His will that I am on this journey. He's blessed me with the skills to perform in the boxing ring. His guidance and love is completely responsible, for everything."

However, Langford won't deny that he's become a lot more recognised in his hometown since the HBF's October tournament auditions, and especially since his January debut.

"It's very strange when people look at you differently," Langford smiled. "I feel like there is nothing different about me. All I did was win a boxing match. It's quite scary to see my face on the television. People tell me that I'm famous, that all of Canada is hoping for my success. It's just surreal. I tell myself that all those things are fine and good, that it's so humbling to know that people are supporting you. But in the end, I just return to the Lord. He was always with me before all of this, and he'll still be there with me after it. And, like I said, this is where he wants me to be."

Langford, who will celebrate his twentieth birthday on the 4th of March, has been keenly following the happenings in the HBF's tournaments during the past month, and has seen one of his expectations in particular come to fruition.

"I was not at all surprised when Jack Johnson lost," he said. "It's not so much that it happened to him, but that it happened to a top seed. It did not surprise me because I've said from day one, these seedings mean nothing. It's not like the NCAA basketball tournament, where the best teams are awarded the top seeds. None of the fighters in the HBF have done a single thing inside the boxing ring to warrant their seeding. Now, the results from the first series show that the HBF's scouts are pretty good judges of talent, but there is still such a long way to go in this tournament. Who knows, maybe Jack Johnson will reel off fifteen straight victories and become the first champion. I really have no idea what's going to happen. Personally, all I can do is give every one of my opponents the respect they deserve."

* After his two round demolition of South Africa's Gerrie Coetzee, Ireland's Tom Sharkey stayed on in the UK, visiting with family and friends in his homeland for a week. It was a crazy time for Sharkey, as his status as a high seed in the World Championship tournament (in fact, the highest seeded United Kingdom fighter in the tournament) had resulted in instant fame in Ireland even before the tournament started. The 20 year-old spent as much time during that one week stay posing for photographs and signing autographs as he did chatting with his mother, father, siblings and friends.

Of course, all the attention did not harm the HBF's publicity wagon, but eventually, the adoration became too much, and Sharkey (with the assistance of the HBF) decided to fly his family and a few close friends back to the U.S. with him. Not nearly as popular in the States as in Ireland, the 24th seed in the WC tournament was able to train in relative anonimity as he prepared for his second tournament bout.

Sharkey's family and friends have since returned home to Ireland, but their presence with him during their stay did wonders for his confidence.

"My family is my lifeblood," he said. "They inspire me to make myself better, to push myself harder every day. I just want to succeed so badly, to make them as proud of me as possible."