Parting Thoughts on Starstruck Boxing at Mahnomen

• Congratulations to Antwan Robertson and John Hoffman!  Robertson proved his ability and Hoffman his smarts with the enormous improvement in Robertson’s performance over last March.  Most local fans thought they knew how this one would end, and the Brothers proved that almost everyone was wrong.
• Kudos also to Hoffman’s pal and helper Sean Hickman, whose trombone-like voice blared in my ear for eight rounds last night – his insights were spot-on and timely, and there’s no doubt that Antwan could hear every last word!  Talking to Hickman after the fight I got the idea that he could really use a lozenge.
• This was my first time seeing Mike Davis fight, and he more than lived up to his reputation as a heavy-handed scrapper.  It was really impressive to see him out-brawl the Blue Collar Brawler, Jesse Barbot.  I’ll be watching for his name on future fight cards.
• Nick Whiting’s body shot that ended his bout with Travis McCullough was a bolt of lightning from nowhere.  Nothing he threw in the first round and a half gave a hint of what was to come – until that body shot it looked like McCullough would have his way with Whiting.
• Derek Winston’s somewhat disappointing performance apparently was due to a hand injury.  Winston’s right hand was swollen and painful after the fight – he didn’t think it was broken, but hopefully he’ll have it checked out.  And hopefully Antwan Robertson’s cousin and favorite sparring partner will heal that hand and return to form for his next bout.
• I’m not a fan of womens’ boxing, but I have to report that Concha Ross and Brittany Tenbears gave a good account of themselves.  Both were tough and determined.  What neither had was good conditioning.  Both of these ladies were battling exhaustion by the middle of the second round – if one or the other had been in better condition the bout wouldn’t have ended in a draw.
• Lawrence Goodman showed plenty of power and good coordination in his brief bout with Chance Western.  I heard that Western was recovering from an illness before the fight, and couldn’t help wondering whether that had something to do with his inability to compete.

Live Round-by-Round: October 23 at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minnesota

Once again the Fistic Mystic reports from ringside.  Tonight we’ll be treated to a Minnesota state title fight and a card of competitive boxing matches at a variety of weights.

A few changes on the card tonight – Tomi Archambault has been replaced with David Laque, Robert Benton has been replaced by Chance Western, and the Brad Croaker-Marty Lindquist is absent from the official bout sheet.

Brad Patraw (now 6-1 with 4 kayos) is defeated by Antwan Robertson (now 5-1-1 with 3 kayos) after eight rounds.  Robertson is the new Minnesota bantamweight champion.  The scores are announced as 76-75, 76-74, and 76-74.

Round 1

Robertson begins the action with a light jab, Patraw follows him into his corner and lands a stronger jab.  Robertson throws the first combination of the fight, landing a right hook to the hip of Patraw.  Robertson lunges with a big right hook that misses wildly, but stabs a jab into the eye of Patraw as a follow up.  Now the two are circling to their right, and Robertson attacks again.  A sharp jab lands to the body of Patraw, then a strong right to the head.  Patraw flurries in reply, and lands several times.  Robertson is jabbing with good effect, keeping Patraw more at bay than at any time in the first meeting between these two.  Patraw is content so far to follow and take a jab to get close.  Robertson sticks him with the right jab, then the two clinch.  Patraw tries to catch Robertson off guard with a wide hook, but to little effect.  Robertson lands a sharp right to the temple of Patraw a few seconds before the bell, and I’d say that Robertson has taken the round decisively.

Round 2

Patraw lands a good power shot to the body of Robertson, Robertson responds with a sharp right-left to the body of Patraw.  Robertson looks noticeably faster than Patraw so far, but when Patraw gets his range he does land the more powerful punches.  Patraw continues to come forward and Robertson continues to retreat and counter.  Patraw finally jumps forward to land three shots, and Robertson boogies out of the corner in which he was nearly trapped.  Robertson ducks under a left hook but fails to counter.  Patraw is stymied by the quickness and jabs of Robertson.  Patraw finally corners Robertson, but after landing one hook is clinched and has to give up the ground he’d gained.  Robertson lands a straight right that must have hurt, but his corner advises him to throw combinations instead of single shots.  The two trade as the bell rings, and referee Nelson has to break them up and push Robertson away.

Round 3

Patraw comes out this round trying to jab back at Robertson, but Robertson gets a right through to the side of Patraw’s head and momentarily sets Patraw’s ear on his shoulder.  Patraw bulls Robertson into a corner and lets him go.  Robertson continues to land his jab, and Patraw is looking intense, but frustrated.  Intensely frustrated.  Patraw finally goes back to the body and lands two good power shots to Robertson before Robertson bounces off the ropes and  into the center of he ring.  Patraw lands a single hook to the ribs of Robertson, then a jab to Robertson’s face.  Robertson lands a stinging jab to Patraw’s face, snapping his head back.  Patraw can’t match Robertson’s speed and has yet to cut off the ring  – but just as I write the words, he finally does and lands three good body shots that bend Robertson over at the waist.  Bell and round.

Round 4

Between rounds Patraw is advised by Jonny Johnson to counter with the right hook.  Patraw again corners Robertson, only momentarily, and scores with more shots to the head and body.  Robertson isn’t snapping that jab so effectively now, and Patraw is getting his range.  Now Patraw stands stock still, then lunges forward to connect with a solid right to the head.  Robertson is nearly trapped against the ropes, but lands a good one-two and bashes his way out. Nevertheless, Patraw is getting closer and closer, and connecting more often as a result.  A powerful right lands to the body of Robertson.  Patraw plays possum against the ropes, and Robertson goes after him looking for blood.  The two trade in dramatic fashion, electrifying the crowd!  The round ends with Robertson’s corner screaming at him that he must go out on his shield, but the bell rings and momentarily postpones such an exit for either man.

Round 5

Robertson is back jabbing, but Patraw charges in on him and lands.  Clinching against the ropes, the two throw few punches and land none.  Patraw is more on offense than Robertson right now, but both men are in this game.  Robertson continues to move back and to the left.  His corner is frustrated that he’s showing less offense this round.  Patraw catches Robertson near his corner and bounces him off the ropes.  Robertson is caught with his hands down.  Patraw is intent on  making this a war, and Robertson is less interested.  But scientific boxing won’t win this fight for Robertson.  Patraw’s right hand is at his waist now, but Robertson fails to throw.  Robertson is backing off.  Now he finally puts his head down and connects with a monstrous hook and uppercut combination.  Patraw’s feet are far apart and his knees bent so far that his butt nearly sweeps the canvas, and Robertson again lands with a wild hook that snaps Patraws head back against the top rope.  Finally Patraw escapes and as he runs away, taunts Robertson.  But that hurt!

Round 6

Robertson pops a right hand to the face of Patraw but fails to follow it.  Patraw is brawling with some effect, but he can’t match Robertson’s speed when Robertson attacks.  Robertson cracks Patraw hard with a right, the two circle, and then Robertson hits him with another very powerful right that hurts him.  Patraw is inspired to fire back, but has trouble meeting Robertson flush.  Robertson tries to duck a combination, but gets hit with three of four punches.  Robertson lands a left jab and then a right hook that sends Patraw skidding across the ring on his backside.  Patraw wants to show that he isn’t hurt so rises immediately, but it’s clear that he absorbed a monstrous hook.  No further action before the bell.

Round 7

Patraw wants to show that he hasn’t lost any steam, but Robertson lands twice with flush hooks that Patraw tries but fails to dodge.  Patraw lands flush with a slapping right hook to Robertson’s head.  Robertson is on his horse now, trying to get a breather, now referee Nelson stops the action to warn Robertson – for holding, I think.  Back to action, each man tags the other with a power shot.  Robertson tries to engage but Robertson pops him with a good left hook.  Robertson just isn’t fast enough to brawl with Robertson – he needs a new strategy!  After eating a right and bouncing off the ropes Robertson lands a good left, but only a single left.  Now a solid right hook hurts Patraw, who has a big red welt on his left cheek.  Robertson pursues and catches Patraw with another big hook, but the bell rings and both men head back to their corners.

Round 8

Patraw comes out jabbing.  Robertson lands one big right, then five seconds later another one.  Patraw is moving backwards when Robertson catches him twice with big hooks that leave him stunned.  Robertson is going for the kill!  Patraw tries to punch out of his corner and gets out, but gets caught and goes down for the second time in this fight – and the second time in his career.  Robertson is running now.  Patraw finally catches him and the two clash in the center of the ring, but the end result is a clash of heads that hurts Patraw more than Robertson.  Patraw is bleeding a lot, but it’s hard to tell from where.  It’s on his face, his neck, and his back.  It looks like it’s coming from a gash on his head above his right ear.  More banging, but no further scoring before the rounds ends.  End of the fight.  What a fight!!!

 

Jesse Barbot (now 6-5 with 3 kayos) is defeated by Michael Davis (now 4-6 with 4 kayos) by knockout in round 6 of 6 scheduled.

 Round 1

The fighters immediately begin circling slowly to their right, with each man testing the waters with tentative jabs.  Now Davis begins  moving to his left and throws a combination that lands.  Barbot finally lands with a right to the body of the smaller Davis, but it’s only one punch.  Davis lands below the belt and receives a warning as the action continues.  Now Barbot tries to wade in brawling, but Davis proves elusive as he retreats into this own corner.  Davis in turn backs Barbot into a neutral corner and lands, then Davis escapes.  Now the two meet by the ropes and wrestle themselves into Barbot’s corner, where referee Bobby Brunette separates them.  Davis lands a big single shot that momentarily freezes Barbot, but Barbot charges into Davis with his head down and lands a couple of glancing blows which nonetheless count.  An audible clash of heads is the onlyfurther  action before the bell rings.

Round 2

Davis, being visibly smaller than Barbot, is tense and careful as the second round begins, Barbot is more relaxed, but also looking for an opening.  After missing a left Barbot lands a good right, but then eatts a very strong counter from Davis that puts him off for a moment.  Barbot is coming forward, Davis retreating, and if Barbot manages to cut off Davis’s retreat he’ll find a chance to throw the mustard.  Neither man is afraid of contact and the two have gone chest-to-chest more than once without scoring any big blows.    Davis is moving backwards and looks to throw a left but hesitates, and Barbot lands a good scoring shot at an opportune time.  The two trade but neither hurts the other to the end of the round.

Round 3

Davis digs with an ambitious right uppercut to the ribs of Barbot.  Barbot is trying mightily to catch Davis, but having trouble catching up to his wiry quick opponent.  Davis lunges forward as he throws a right, so much so that he hits Barbot’s temple with his bicep instead of his fist.  Barbot is stalking Davis, but when he finally catches him gets his mouthpiece knocked out.  It takes a few moments for Brunette to recognize that it’s out, but the action quickly resumes.  Barbot is now ducking and charging in an attempt to get close enough to land, which results in a clash and both men throwing rabbit punches.  Barbot is clearly aggravited and taunts Davis before charging in wildly - although his antics incite the crowd, his attack is ineffectual.  Davis lands one more power shot as the round ends.

Round 4

Barbot is out for blood and corners Davis.  After absorbing a couple of good shots Davis scoots past Barbot and into the center of the ring.  Davis is still on his toes but slowing doewn, and Barbot lands his best punch of the fight in Davis’s corner.  Davis allows Barbot to maul him for a few moments, then tries to punch his way out but is unable.  Barbot is leaning on Davis with his entire weight and mauling the body.  Brunette finally breaks the two, then as soon as action resumes he stops it again to warn both men.  I can’t hear what the warnings are for.  Davis and Barbot both land oppostite hand hooks a tthe same time, neither is hurt.  Davis looks to be having fun, though he is clearly tired and hurt.  Barbot is wild-eyed and employing roughhouse tactics.  More unstrategic mauling follows, which favors the larger man – Barbot.  Bell and round.

Round 5

Davis comes out on offense and immediately lands lefts repeatedly to the face of Barbot.  When that strategy is played out he lands a good right to the ribs of Barbot.  Barbot is now jabbing, then backs Davis up one more time and lands to uppercuts to the body of Davis.  Davis looks a little wobbly and slow, but Barbot may be too tired to capitalize.  finally Davis charges Barbot and lands three lefts that knock
Barbot down.  as action resumes Barbot goes down a second time.  Davis charges Barbot again and punches him through the ropes where he is caught by the timekeeper - it was a left that did the dirty work that time.  Barbot gets back ito the ring and is game but exhausted and his balance is shot.  The round ends with Barbot staggering back to his corner and Davis jubilant at what he thinks will come next.

Round 6

Just as the round begins Davis states “I ain’t got no mouthpiece and is sent back to his corner to retrieve it.  Now the two are back in their patterns Barbot coming forward and Davis countering.  Barbot, breathing heavily through the mouth, loses his mouthpiece.  Aftet getting it back he tries again to corner Davis but is hurt to the ribs by a Davis left and goes to his knees.  Back on his feet, Barbot is trying to meet Davis’s power with scuzz of his own, but Davis has m uch more pop at this point and Barbot is getting tagged regularly.  Barbot lands a good overhand right to the jaw of Davis, and a lull follows.  Davis lunges in, grabs Barbot around the waist, and throws a right that connects to barbot’sspine.  Barbot loses his mmouthpiece once more and whether it’s that distraction or sheer exhaustion, backs off just in time to get his by a powershotting Davis right.  Barbot goes down hard flat on his back, and his head bounces on the mat.  Brunette immediately – and wisely – halts the fight.

 

Nick Whiting (now 2-12 with 2 kayos) defeats Travis McCullough (now 1-4 with 1 kayo) by knockout in round 2 of 4 scheduled

McCullough enters the ring to the strains of the reggae tune Buffalo Soldier, while Whiting makes his entrance accompanied by the Stones’ Paint it Black.

Round 1

After a lengthy unexplained delay, the bell finally rings and we’re off!  McCullough is jabbing and punching up the middle, while Whiting keeps coming forward without landing anything.  Each time Whiting gets close he eats a left hand from McCullough.  Finally Whiting makes some offense, landing a couple of wide hooks to the body.  The two circle and jab for a time, then Mac lands a single power shot to the body, then a single power shot to the h ead of Whiting.  Whiting finally gets inside and lands several hooks and an uppercut to the middle of Mac’s body.  Mac lands a wide left hook, then doubles up on the right jab to drive Whiting backwards.  Whiting loses his mouthpiece and the fight is paused only briefly.  Whiting lands two in a row, then takes a straight left and falls down backwards.  Referee Brunette treats it as a knockdown and gives Whiting the mandatory eight count.  The two move and trade through the end of the round, neither man scoring appreciably.

Round 2

Mac begins the second in pursuit of Whiting, Whiting is game and tries to trade with him.  Whiting’s hands aren’t fast or heavy, but he needs to move them more if he’s going to be in this fight.  Whiting ducks under a left hook and lands three jabs as he comes forward.  Mac is battering Whiting with lefts and rights, and Whiting’s defense seems to be degrading.  Whiting lands two left  jabs to the torso of Mac, but the bigger and stronger man appears to MacCullough.  Suddenly Whiting lands a single shot to the body that crumples Mac, and referee Brunette counts him out.  KO win for Whiting! 

 

Derek Winston (now 1-0) defeats David Laque (now 1-3 with 1 kayo) by unanimous decision after four rounds

Round 1

Feints and dancing rule the early going.  A clash in a neutral corner results in no punches being landed.  Laque lands the first punch of the night with a right  jab about twenty seconds in, then lands a straight right as he circles to his right.  Laque lunges in and lands what may have been a left hook to the body of Winston, then Winston pauses to hike up his trunks and has to fend of a quick attack from Laque.  Laque feints and Winston misses with a big left hook.  Laque is moving his upper body well and making it tough for Winston to connect.  The other half of the equasion is also in Laque’s favor, as he lands another snapping hook to the body of Winston.  Winston is loading up, but his cornerman John Hoffman sagely advises him to use his speed instead.  Winston gets smart and lands solidly for the first time tonight with an uppercut to Laque’s body.  Winston pursues Laque and lands two more glancing punches to the body, but nothing of great effect.

Round 2

Laque twice lunges forward to land left hooks to the head and chest of Winston.  Winston, the quicker man, seems to having trouble gauging Laque’s movements.  A straight right misses the mark for Winston, and the two circle.  A clinch results in no connections, and referee Mark Nelson breaks the two apart.  Laque’s lunging is getting more reckless as he gains confidence.  Winston lands a good single shot but fails to follow up.  Winston then lands a very solid right to the midsection of Laque, but Laque again escapes.  Winston switches to southpaw momentarily and ducks, then throws Laque coming in.  Laque regains his balance and the two circle.  Winston hangs his tongue out, and when Laque comes forward Winston tags him with two solid shots.  Laque ducks and lunges at the same time, getting his head caught under Winston’s arm in the act.  No more offense ensues before the round ends.

Round 3

Winston comes out looking to score, but Laque again ducks down and Winston lands only glancing blows.  Laque may be tiring, as he’s getting caught under Winston’s arms more and more frequently.  Another duck from Laque, and this time he grabs Winston around the waist.  Nelson breaks the two, and a tactical battle begins.  After mostly useless waving of fists, Winston finally catches Laque with a good shot to the body, but ten seconds later gets caught in kind.  Laque flurries with several power shots, but then Winston unloads one huge left hook that puts him off balance. 

Winston now begins moving backwards and countering effectively, and this fight mjay have turned in his favor.

Winston ducks and lunges as Laque has been doing, and though he fails to score, Laque appeared to notice that the tables had been turned.  Bell rings, round over.

Round 4

Winston needs to score well this round, or his long-anticipated pro debut may result in a points loss.  Winston does land a good shot to the head of Laque, but Laque responds with more movement than he’s shown in the last two rounds.  Laque ducks and clinches as Winston tries to land to his head.  Winston connects with a right jab, then retreats while throwing counter hooks at Laque’s chest and midsection.  Laque lands a good right the snaps Winston’s head back, but Winston shows good toughness and maintains his focus.  Winston lands a good right, but then goes on the retreat again.  Laque momentarily freezes Winston with a good right hook, and the two appear to have arrived at a stylistic dead end.  Finally Winston lands a couple of shots in a row, and Laque appears to be bleeding from the nose.  Winston lands one more glancing right as the bell rings, and this fight is going to the judges. 

 

Concha Ross (now 0-0-1) and Brittany Tenbears (now 3-0-1) battle to a majority draw after 4 rounds

Round 1

 This is a no-defense brawl from the word go.  Ross charges Tenbears throwing wild hooks, which Tenbears counters effectively with better-placed power shots from angles.  The action slows down, but Tenbears lands a solid left hook to the head, then a painful hook to the body of Ross, which prompts Ross to go back on offense.  Tenberas, tiring visibly as the round draws to a close, lands a serious uppercut to the body of Ross, then Ross backs Tenbears into her own corner and lands her best combination of the round, which culminates in a monstrous right hook to the head.  The two begin to trade just as the bell rings, and referee Bobby Brunette has to break them up.

Round 2

Ross comes out under control, lands a few good shots, but then gets shoved  into the ropes and tagged by a huge shot from Tenbears.  Tenbearas is bleeding from the nose, but continues to land with jabs and straights.  After a brief lull Tenbears lands a shot that once again prompts Ross to flurry effectively.  The bout pauses so Tenbears can get her mouthpiece back in – it’s been missing for a while – and then resumes with slow clubbing punches from both heavyweights.  Ross again bulls Tenbears into the ropes and flurries.  As the round ends, Tenbears is trying to mount some offense, but she appears to be exhausted.  It looks like Tenbears is a more skilled fighter, but Ross is in better shape and lighter on her feet.

Round 3

Both fighters appear reluctant to engage at the beginning of this round, but after about twenty seconds Tenbears tries to end it all at once with a desperate volley of power shots.  Ross answers in kind, albeit with less effect.  Tenbears then tries to keep Ross at bay with the jab, but doesn’t seem to have the energy to throw it, instead sticking it in Ross’s face and leaving it there..  Referee Brunette breaks the two and Tenbears turns her back and walks aaway.  Again she appears reluctant to fight, now Ross hurts her with a number of well-polaced powerr shots.  Tenbears loses her mouthpiece again, and the ref must again pause the action.  It’s hard to say, but Tenbears may be bleeding pretty badly inside herr mouth – either that or she’s using a red mouthpiece.

Round 4

Tenbears smacks Ross with a good left jab and takes three or four power shots in return.  Tenbears escapes the pressure for a moment, but gets caught again, her head snapped back by a vicious shot right from Ross.  Exhaustion has slowed the pace of this fight to a crawl.  Tenbears lands two good shots about three seconds apart. Ross has strength and toughness in spades, and though her face is red all over, she continues to come forward, though most of her punches have lacked snap.  The round ends with both ladies grappling and throwing body shots, and the round and the fight come to a merciful end.

Lawrence Goodman (now 1-0 with 1 kayo) defeats Chance Western (now 1-2 with no kayos), by TKO in round 1 of 4 scheduled.

Round 1

The two touch gloves at the center of the ring and then dance indecisively for about fifteen seconds, until Western touches Goodman with a left jab.  Tactical jabbing ensues until a meeting near a neutral corner sees Goodman pop Western with a couple of power shots, then the two break and met at the opposite corner.    Western connects with his first power shots of the night, but now Goodman is definitely getting the better of things.  Several clashes in different areas of the ring result in serious damage to Western, to the point where he begins flinching and turning his back at contact. About halfway through the first round Goodman knocks Western down to a knee.  Western rises immediately looking dazed and begins to walk away from referee Mark Nelson who immediately takes the cue to stop the bout. 

 

Brad Croaker (3-0 with 2 kayos) -vs- Marty Lindquist (13-8 with 10 kayos), cruiserweights, scheduled for 4 rounds

Round 1

 

Round 2

 

Round 3

 

Round 4

Update From Jesse Barbot

Jesse Barbot gives an update on his upcoming fight, his friend Antwan Robertson, and the status of the new boxing program at ACA in Fargo.

On the October 23 fights at Shooting Star Casino:

“(My original opponent) Nick Runningbear pulled out two weeks ago.  I’m now fighting Mike Davis, who’s known as a real brawler.  He’s a very tough guy with really heavy hands, so I’ve got to move my head and stay on my toes so I don’t get caught.  I’ve had some really good sparring with some guys about his size.”

“I just worked out with Antwan Robertson and John Hoffman yesterday, and I think Antwan’s fight with Brad Patraw is going to be a good one…he’s had problems in the past with letting his hands go, and I think that’s just a result of his not having a lot of amateur experience.  But he knows what he needs to do, and I’ve never seen him look so sharp.”

The 7-bout card starts at 7pm on Friday October 23.  Tickets are available from Shooting Star Casino for $25, $35, and $45.

On the new amateur boxing program in Fargo:

“We haven’t got big numbers yet, only about eight or ten guys so far.  Two of them have some experience working out with Chris Holt in Detroit Lakes.  We have some younger guys and a couple of college students.  Our first competition will be November 14th, I think, in East Grand Forks.  It’ll be nice to have an amateur boxing program back in Fargo!”

Jesse Barbot coaches boxing at the Academy of Combat Arts in Fargo.  Email john@fmaca.com for more signup info.

Live Round-by-Round: August 14 at the Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota

Matt Vanda (now 41-9 with 22 knockouts) defeats Ted Muller (now 19-16 with 9 kayos) by unanimous decision after eight rounds.

Round 1

The combatants meet in the center of the ring and Muller reaches first, missing with a couple of jabs.  Vanda returns the gesture, and a clinch ensues.  Muller lands first, with a slow three-punch combination – downstairs and then upstairs.  Muller is using his size advantage to bull Vanda backwards,Vanda for his part is working the body from very close quarters.  Vanda is keeping his head down and his hands up, emerging occasionally to throw power shots.  A one-two lands for Vanda.  Muller switches stances but Vanda tags him and he reverts.  Muller is now stepping in with the jab, then throws an overhand right that misses.  Vanda, though smaller is rocking Muller with power shots, when he throws them.  Vanda lands a left-right-left, then a punching clinch and the round is over.

Round 2

After some flurrying, Vanda throws a right that landed low, and Muller takes fifteen seconds to recuperate.  The pair touch gloves, and it’s back on.  Muller is pursuing Vanda and occasionally catching him, but Vanda is throwing punches moving backwards.  Though Muller  may be stronger, Vanda is quicker and his punches are snapping.  Vanda is throwing the left jab out there, then following a moment later with hooks.  Muller lands a solid right to the ribs of Vanda, but the Predator looks no worse for wear.  Vanda lands a combination that bounces Muller backwards intoa corner, but Muller comes out strong and traps Vanda against the ropes.  Vanda connects with a very strong jab, and the two commence to circling.  Muller throws a three punch combo that doesn’t land, Vanda returns fire and lands a couple of hooks to the body.  Muller throws a right-left-right-right that lands, but Vanda strikes back hard.  The bell rings and the two men touch gloves before returning to their corners.

Round 3

After some preliminary stroking, Vanda connects with a good straight right that causes Muller discomfort.  Vanda is comfortable out there, flicking the jab and following his opponent wherever it pleases Muller to go.  Muller has a strong jab, but a slow one, and it isn’t doing him much good.  Showing good movement and anticipation, Muller ducks away from some Vanda punches, but when Vanda catches him with a right to the body, it clearly hurts him.  Muller flurries to cover his vulnerability, and the moment passes.  Muller is landing some one-twos, but nothing of note.  Vanda continues to pursue, Muller leaning forward at the waist to protect his body.  Ron Lyke can be heard shouting from the corner to “Hit the body, hit the body!”  Muller walks forward, throwing a punch with each step, until Vanda pushes him back with a few weary power shots.

Round 4

Muller comes right out with a left-right, but then backs off.  Vanda keeps tossing his head to the right, possibly dealing with sweat in his eyes or a congested nose.  Vanda lands three good shots that hurt Muller, and when Muller appears vulnerable Vanda charges in, initially landing some good shots but then eating a few as Muller returns fire.  The two move to the center of the ring, where Vanda shoves a strong left jab into Muller’s face.  Muller is occasionally flinching away from contact, but alternately lunging in with hooks and straights.  Vanda pauses to  blow out his left nostril.  Muller is moving backwards now, back and to his left.  Vanda gets caught by a left cross but it does no harm.  Vanda is comfortable coming forward, apparently knowing that he’ll get the better of most exchanges.  Bell and round.

Round 5

Muller lands a good short right to start things out.  Vanda is moving forward and looking for an opening.  Muller grimaces at a left-right from Vanda.  Muller is tired but tough.  Vanda throws a low left hook that makes Muller retreat, then Muller lands a couple of single left jabs.  Muller lands a tentative one-two, but then Vanda comes back with several hard hooks to the body.  Muller is trying to keep Vanda at bay with the jab, but when Vanda comes inside, Muller does some good work with short hooks.  Vanda lands another hard left jab, and Muller walks backwards and leans against the ropes.  Muller lands a right hook to the side of Vanda’s head, but Vanda is unfazed and lands two very strong left hooks to the body.  Muller misses with a right and then shakes his right hand, as though it is hurt.  Vanda is beginning to look arm-weary, but is at least keeping his hands up.

Round 6

Vanda’s face is unmarked and he is up early from his stool, bouncing on his toes as he waits for the round to start.  Muller has feet far apart and is trying to lean in with jabs and hooks, but Vanda connects a strong three-punch combination.  Vanda stagger-steps forward and then grins at Muller.  Muller responds with a furious flurry that make Vanda retreat to the opposite corner.  Muller can barely swing his arms now, and Vanda is stalking.  Vanda misses with a right from long range.  A left hook to the base of Muller’sneck causes him to pause for a second, but then he puts his head down and pushes Vanda across the ring.  Muller finds his best offense close in, where Vanda cannot defend, but his misfortune is that Vanda is equally adept in close.  the two are trading in Vanda’s corner at the bell, and Muller, who is coming forward, throws one right long after the bell.  Vanda gives him a shove, but then turns away.

Round 7

Muller is slow enough that he’s having trouble moving Vanda’s moving target.  Now Muller digs dep to find three left jabs that land, but Vanda returns the favor with a left jab that snaps his head back.  A left hook to the body and left hook to the head of Muller throw him backwards into the ropes, but he comes back with some thudding body shots of his own.  Muller’s favorite target is Vanda’s left shoulder, but occasionally he finds Vanda’s head instead.  Vanda is trying to throw double hooks.  Muller swoops in with a right uppercut that catches Vanda a glancing blow, and after some ineffectual trading, comes home with a couple of wicked body shots.  After a brief lull, Vanda comes back with a series of hooks that would certainly floor a smaller man.

Round 8

the last round begins with a heartfelt hug, then the battling begins anew.  Muller is leaning far forward to land several strong jabs, but Vanda, as always, appears unscathed.  A left jab-right hook lands for Muller, but Vanda comes to life, attacking with multiples power shots from evil angles.  Vanda retreats fro man engagement but then stumbles backwards into the ropes.  Vanda comes back with a vengeance, landing a series of left and rigt hooks to the body of Muller.  In the center of the ring a Vanda left buckles Muller’s knees, but Muller stays on his feet.  muller is only throwing arm shots now, and Vanda smells blood.  Vandalands a right to the head of Muller that causes a stumble, then the two trade with huge power shots until AMulle loses his balance and stumbles to a neutral corner.  As the round comes to a close two exhausted warriors are flinging everything they have at each other, but it’s clear now that neither will score the knockout.  this round, and the fight, go clearly to Vanda, but Muller deserves a ton of credit for a strong effort against an intense and well conditioned opponent.

Brad Patraw (now 6-0 with 4 kayos) defeats Javier Segura (now 4-17 with 4 kayos) by TKO at 2:47 in round 4 of 6 scheduled.

Round 1

Segura comes out brave and aggressive and actually lands a few punches, but Patraw’s speed and accuracy show.  Patraw cuffs Segura around the ring at will for nearly three minutes.  though Segura is tough and willing, he’s unable to connect with Patraw’s head, even when Patraw leaves himself open.  Flurries to Segura’s body hurt him badly, and there are extended periods where he can get nothing going.  Round dominated by Patraw.

Round 2

Segura comes out winging, and manages to land a couple of  hooks to the jaw of Patraw.  Patraw is relaxing and not forcing the action, but is showing a tendency to showboat, particularly by swinging his right hand like a pendulum.  They say speed kills, and Patraw is showing plenty.  Referee Gary Miezwa is letting the fight go on despite Segura’s inability to compete.  A fierce uppercut rocks Segura, and Patraw follows it up with a series of power shots to the body and head.  Segura appears ready to go down, but he lasts tothe bell.  Segura throws a couple of punches after the bell and Patraw responds in kind.

Round 3

Patraw comes out jabbing, but then reverts to his early pattern of hooks to the body followed by hooks to the head.  Segura is clearly frustrated and hurt, but he’s hanging in there.  Patraw is moving backwards and to his right and countering Segura’s wild shots effectively.  Segura must be tough as nails, but he can muster no offense against the superior Patraw.  Patraw lands a winging right to the rribs and left to the ear of Segura.  Patraw is picking his shots now.  Segura finally lands a straight left, but there’s nothing behind it.  Patraw is pawing with the jab, taking a rest.  Now the two trade as the round draws to a close, neither man scoring anything of note.

Round 4

Surprisingly, Segura looks stronger and more aggressive at the start of this round, but Patraw continues to counter effectively moving backwards.  Segura lands a good left hook, and Patraw backs into a corner.  Now a body shot makes Patraw grimace, and Segura puts his head into Patraw’s chest and throws a ton of body shots.  Patraw finally bends his knees and dips down to throw a power shot.  After a lengthy lull, Patraw throws a series of hooks that momentarily freeze Segura, but Segura is showing a true Mexican fighter’s heart.  A right from Patraw knocks Segura’s mouthpiece out, and Patraw takes the cue to flurry.  Referee Miezwa breaks the action to reinsert the offending hunk of rubber.  Segura can only bum rush and maul Patraw now, and he does so effectively until a single right from Patraw knocks him wobbly.  Patraw sees Segura reach for a rope to steady himself and charges in, landing about half of the fifteen or twenty power shots he throws until Miezwa has seen enough and jumps in to make a good stoppage.

 

 

Ceresso Fort (now 7-0 with 7 kayos) defeats Yancy Cuellar (now 0-6) by KO in  56 seconds into round 1 of 6 scheduled.

Round 1

Cuellar comes out with an odd crouching stance and his arms almost crossed in front of him.  Ducking and punching, Cuellar hooks Fort twice in the left butt cheek.  Fort throws a combination for the first time and catches Cuellar with a crushing body punch.  Cuellar doesn’t want to continue, so he doesn’t.  He remains on his face until the fight is waved off, then gets up and casually walks back to his corner.

 

 

Jose Hilario (now 1-0 with 1 knockout) defeats John Swanberg (now 0-1 ) by knockout at 1:00 in the first round of four scheduled.

Round 1

Swanberg begins the fight cowering and jabbing, Hilario is clearly the stronger man.  A clash is inconclusive as both men punch and miss coming in.   Swanberg has a bad habit of fighting on his toes with his chin in the air, and Hilario is taking advantage.  Swanberg is down!  A monstrous right uppercut to the body ends the fight, but referee Gary Miezwa gives Swanberg some time to rise.  He remains on his knees with his forehead on the mat until Miezwa waves the fight off.

 

Bobby Kliewer (now 10-8 with 5 kayos) defeats John Turner (3-12 with no kayos) by TKO at 2:32 in the first of four scheduled rounds

Round 1

The much taller Kliewer comes out stalking, but Turner aggresses with a lunging jab immediately.  Backing Turner into the ropes, Kliewer lands a flurry.  Turner moves well, but Kliewer’s longer reach is showing.  Kliewer lands a good right uppercut as Turner tries to come in.  Turner is ducking and lunging.  Seconds later, Turner is now fighting on his heels.  Kliewer lands a good three-punch combination that puts Turner on his butt and into the ropes.  Quick getting back to his feet, Turner nods as referee Mark Nelson gives him a mandatory eight count.  Turner is moving and punching, but Kliewer is a much more effective offensive fighter.  Kliewer traps Turner on the ropes and connects with about six straight power shots, Turner nearly topples through the ropes, and referee Nelson leaps in to rescue him.  Fight over.

 

Exhibition: Antwan Robertson (4-1 with 3 kayos) –vs- Derek Winston (amateur) – The Fistic Mystic says that if this were a real bout, Winston would have won all four rounds by varying margins.

Round 1

 Round begins with much jabbing and circling.   Winston is doing the pursuing, neither man is throwing with evil intentions.   About a minute in Winston hits and hurts his cousin with a three punch combination.  Robertson, as is his wont, is fighting from a defensive posture.  Right-right-left and then a flurry from Robertson, that’s his first good offensive moment.  Winston is looking very good, landing a lot more punches.  Robertson flurries to the body about five seconds before the bell.

Round 2

 Winston is coming forward and traps Robertson in a corner momentarily, landing two to the body and one to the head.  Robertson lands a sharp jab to the midsection of Winston.  Robertson, back to the ropes, eats a couple of good shots.  Robertson is consistently moving backward, but now comes forward and gets caught in a headlock.  Winston is grinning as the two break up.  Right and left to the body land for Winston, then a big head shot.  Robertson answers with one big punch.  Upppercut misses badly for obertson, and he backs up only to get hit and hurt again.  The two smile at each other and then clinch.    Winston is a monster to the body.  Distress is visible on Robertson’s face as the round ends.

Round 3

winston is bouncing laterally and jabbing sharply to begin the third.  Robertson lands two to the body and one tot he head, but then backs up to the ropes and gets caught with a wicked combination to the body.  Winston lunges with a jab to the body, which robertson mimics.  neither finds success.  Left hook for Winston lands and moves robertson, then another right freezes Robertson.  Winston flurries, then Robertson throws an extended flurry which has little effect but shows well.  One has to be impressed with winston’s professional bearing and aggressiveness.  Left hook to the belly hurts Robertson, and he retreats again.  Winston feints and Robertson flinches, backs into a corner, and gets hit with another good flurry.Robertson, who usually scores well with single shots, isn’t tonight.

Round 4

Robertson lands a triple right jab to begin the round, and is now boxing on equal terms with his cousin.  Robertson ducks and backs into the ropes as a flurry lands for Winston.  A clinch and a break are followed by some weary slugging by Winston.  The two throw simultaneous jabs, then Winston lands a series of serious hooks.  Left hook lands for winston.  Robertson lands some power shots going backward for the first time tonight.  The boxers are trading power shots in the middle of the ring, both landing but neither getting the upper hand.  Both men are landing, but Winston is following up on his successes better.  Some more ineffective punches and grins, and the final bell rings.

Upcoming Boxing Event: August 14 at The Myth in Maplewood

Matt Vanda (right) mixes it up with John Duddy

What to watch for: Matt Vanda tests the super middleweight waters with moderately tough and moderately dangerous but always fit Teddy Muller of Moline, IL.  Muller has faced some very stiff competition over the years, and has an entertaining style.  Sort of like a less successful version of Vanda.  Ceresso Fort looks to notch another win against fellow St Paulite Ray Walker.  Brad Patraw takes on an experienced opponent in a quest to increase his win total and gain more experience.  Bobby Kliewer, who tells mnboxingleague.com that he’s in great shape for a change, will engage John Turner in a fight he should win.  Jose Hilario, brother of popular local pro Wilton Hilario, finally turns pro against dangerous Hector Orozco, who stole RJ Laase’s “0″ in Duluth last spring.  Cousins and “brothers” Antwan Robertson and Derek Winston will box in an exhibition as Winston continues to mull turning pro under the tutelage of John Hoffman.

• Matt Vanda (40-9 with 22 kayos) -vs- Ted Muller (19-15 with 9 kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 8 rounds
• Ceresso Fort (6-0 with 6 kayos) -vs- Ray Walker (1-6 with no kayos), middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Brad Patraw (5-0 with 3 kayos) -vs- Javier Segura (4-16 with 4 kayos), super bantamweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Robert Kliewer (9-8 with 4 kayos) -vs- John Turner (3-11 with no kayos), super middleweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Jose Hilario (pro debut) -vs- Hector Orozco (1-2 with no kayos), junior welterweights, scheduled for 4 rounds
• Exhibition: Antwan Robertson (4-1 with 3 kayos) -vs- Derek Winston (0-0), scheduled for 4 rounds

Minnesota Boxing Scene: Summer/Fall 2009

The Fistic Mystic surveys the Minnesota boxing landscape at the beginning of August, 2009.

• August 8 at Wyatt Earp’s in Ramsey (just west of Anoka on the south side of Highway 10) we have a completely unexpected show from Seconds Out Promotions.  According to the poster, the event will feature Mohammed Kayongo and Caleb Traux, with Willshaun Boxley and others appearing on the undercard.
• August 14 promoter MSC presents a boxing show at The Myth in Maplewood.  This one features Matt Vanda in a tune-up fight against veteran Jose Spearman, with Cerresso Fort and Brad Patraw on the undercard.  Incidentally, the younger Hilario brother (Jose) makes his professional debut on this card.
• A day later, on August 15, Jason Litzau of St Paul appears in a supporting bout at the Roy Jones Jr-Jeff Lacy event in Biloxi, MS.  Attempting to reassert himself on the national stage, Litzau will be facing 21-1-2 Verquan Kimbrough in a lightweight bout.  This fight is be no mere formality; there are no easy fights against 21-1 opponents.
• September 26 brings us the next boxing show at Target Center in Minneapolis.  This event is to be anchored by the first round of fights in a local super middleweight tournament: Phil Williams and Matt Vanda are matched in one bout, while Jungle Boy Zach Walters is expected to be paired with an opponent yet to be named in the second.  Also scheduled to appear on this card: Cerresso Fort, Antwan Robertson, and the professional debut of Derek Winston.
• A little farther down the line, on November 21, is another event at Target Center.  According to mnboxingleague.com, this event will host the championship round of the super middleweight tournament.  I’ve also heard it whispered that the Jason Litzau -vs- Wilton Hilario match, torpedoed this summer by a rib injury suffered by Hilario, could be rescheduled to this date.

It’s also worth mentioning, though no details are yet available, that the long wished-for heavyweight matchup of Joey Abell (25-4) -vs- Raphael Butler (34-8) reportedly has been or soon will be signed.  Neither the date nor the location has yet been announced.  More details will be published here when they become known to me.

A New Middleweight Champ, a Retirement, and More from Hinckley

Chatter from Grand Casino:

Andy Kolle is the new Minnesota middleweight champion.  In a result that will boost his career considerably, Kolle disposed of accomplished veteran Anthony Bonsante in three rounds.  It was an exciting back-and-forth affair as long as it lasted, but the way it ended leaves no doubt who’s the boss.  After the fight Kolle made a point of mentioning that he wants to move down from middleweight (160#) to junior middleweight (154#).  This makes my fantasy matchup of Kolle -vs- Harry Joe Yorgey even more tantalizing.

Anthony Bonsante has announced his retirement.  In the wake of his spectacular 3rd-round TKO loss to Andy Kolle, I am told that Bonsante has announced that he will retire.  Matchmaker Cory Rapacz tells me that Bonsante made the promise to his children, then announced it publicly.

Referee Mark Nelson will be working a world title fight in Japan on April 11.  This is probably the Nobuo Nashiro-Konosuke Tomiyama super flyweight bout in Osaka, but the Fistic Mystic isn’t going to pretend to know for sure.  I’ll post more after I hear from Nelson in the next day or two.

Johnny Johnson and the Rice Street Gym have come up smelling like roses.  Cerresso Fort and Brad Patraw both won in Hinckley and remained undefeated (both now 5-0), and Rice Street amateurs kicked butt in  regional Golden Gloves competition.

Antwan Robertson will probably ask for a rematch with Brad Patraw.  Robertson’s coach and manager, John Hoffman, says that Robertson has adequate offense and defense, but lacks confidence in his offense.  This is borne out by his performance in Hinckley, where I only observed one three-punch combination from Robertson in a six round fight.

Cerresso Fort looked like a million bucks in Hinckley.  His defeat of Joshua Rodriguez left no doubt.  He took good punches without wilting, he dished out devastating punches, he showed good mobility, he was in tremendous condition, and he really helped his career with this pasting of Rodriguez.

Seconds Out Promotions will promote on a show at Grand Casino Hinckley on June 5.  Big plans for an exciting card are in the works, but few details are available now.  Plan to hear lots about this one later.

Live Report: Bonsante-Kolle and Patraw Robertson

7:17pm – I’m sitting ringside with Willshaun Boxley, and he’s filling me in on how the world works.

7:34pm – The lights go dim and the crowd begins to murmur.

First bout of the evening:

Patrick Cape (now 5-4 with 3 kayos) defeats Daniel Schlienz (now 7-16 with 4 kayos) by KO in round 3 of 4 scheduled.

Schlienz enters the ring first, accompanied by AC/DC.  Cape follows to the strains of Tom Petty’s Won’t Back Down.

Round 1

 The bout begins with both men demonstrating their elusivity.  No punches landed in the first thirty seconds.  Cape bounces a right off of Schlienz with no effect.  Much feinting and ineffectual jabbing.  An overhand right lands for Cape, now a soft left hook to the midsection of Schlienz.  Another right.   Now Schlienz walks into a right, and he begins bleeding from the nose.  However, the expected aggression is generally lacking from both men.  Schlienz back Cape near to a neutral a corner, but Cape punches his way out.  Blood continues to flow from the nose of Schlienz, and another right hook lands for Cape.  Cape is showing a tendency to duck and punch at the same time.  Cape lands a right hook to the temple of Schlienz, and now a powerful right to the jaw.  This round ends with Schlienz failing to land a single meaningful punch.

Round 2

Schlienz comes out with intent, walking Cape down.    Cape is poking out jabs.  Schlienz lands his first hook of the fight, and the crowd says ‘Ooh.’  Schlienz back Cape into a corner, where Cape throws a power shot that buckles Schlienz’s knees, but the two tie up and Schlienz regroups.  More pawing, and Cape catches Schlienz coming in.  Cape lands a big right.  A good right hook lands to Schlienz’s midsection, and he returns the favor to Cape.  Cape lands a right hook to the ear of Schlienz, and now Schlienz is wide-eyed as he continues to stalk.  Cape seems too quick for Schlienz, punishing him as Schlienz tries to come forward.  Cape’s jab is coming on, Schlienz is becoming more tentative.  Now Schlienz lands a right hook to Cape’s jaw.  Cape is smiling as he surveys Schlienz’s bloody face.  An exchange of soft hooks ends this round.

Round 3

This third opens with much ducking and juking but few punches.  Schlienz throws the first punch of the around about fifteen seconds in.  Now Cape backs himself into a corner, then lands a right hook to Schlienz’ head.  A right lands to the body of Schlienz, then a right lands to the body of Cape and a few seconds later a right to the jaw of Cape.  Cape backs way back into a neutral corner and gets hit with a power shot, but he smiles and tries to pretend he didn’t feel it.  Now Cape backs into Schlienz’s corner and lands a good right.  Schlienz face is covered in blood.  Schlienz lands a hook to the body of Cape and hurts him, but Cape still looks like the stronger man.  Now a good right hook lands on Cape’s jaw.  Cape backs into a corner again, but this time comes out with both guns blazing, lands a series of power shots on Schlienz, and Schlienz goes down hard, the back of his head slapping the canvas hard.  Referee Gary Miezwa counts six, then stops the fight as Schlienz is clearly unable to sit up on his own.

Note: there seemed to be a bit of a rush to get Schlienz back on his feet before he was ready, and he wobbled back to his corner before plopping down on his stool.  Schlienz seems okay as he leaves the ring, but hopefully he’ll receive some medical care and a reasonable suspension before he’s allowed in a ring again.

————————-

Second bout of the evening:

Gary Eyer (now 5-0-1 with 4 kayos) defeats Scott Robinson (now 3-9-1 with 2 kayos) by TKO in round 1 of 5 scheduled.

Scott Robinson enters the ring first, serenaded by some hippety hop music.  I’m not a fan (of the music).  Gary Eyer follows him in wearing his customary tie-dye outfit, serenaded by Culture Club’s ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’ – this is Eyer’s signature ring-entrance tune.

Round 1

Robinson rushes out to the center of the ring to engage, but Eyer lands the first punch.  Robinson deserves some credit for his aggressiveness, as he lands three left jabs in quick succession while coming forward.  Eyer bounces a monstrous right off of Robinson, but Robinson comes back with two good left hooks.  Now Eyer rings Robinson’s bell with a huge right hook to the temple, and another power shot lands as Robinson rushes backwards across the ring.  Both men still seem very confident, and neither respects the other’s power, but Eyer puts Robinson to the mat with several hooks and overhand punches.  Robinson rises and after a mandatory eight count he lands a glancing left hook to the temple of Eyer – Robinson seems genuinely unhurt, despite what we just saw.  Now Robinson lands a one-two, followed by a left hook to the body.  Eyer’s right finds Robinson’s ribs, and Robinson seems hurt but does not go down.  Eyer misses with a right and takes a Robinson punch to the face for his trouble.  Eyer follows up with a series of strong shots that put Robinson down on his his knees, his head and upper body protruding through the ropes.  Referee Mark Nelson is decisive in stopping the fight immediately, but Robinson, who seems very lucid, is incensed.  Fight over.

Third bout of the evening:

Cerresso Fort (now 5-0 with 5 kayos) defeats Joshua Rodriguez (now 4-7 with 3 kayos) in round 4 of 6 scheduled.

Rodriguez enters the ring to some non-descript pop music.  Fort is accompanied by a live rap performance by a black guy in Harry Caray glasses.

Round 1

The round begins with Fort, visibly larger than Rodriguez, landing multiple right hands, but taking a forehead to the temple when he gets too free and easy coming in.  Fort is confident to a fault, lunging and jumping forward as he throws.  Things slow down a bit, and now both men are conservative in their movements.  Fort lands a nice power shot, but Rodriguez is unmoved.  Mark Nelson sends Rodriguez to a neutral corner and asks Fort’s corner to cut some loose tape from a mitt.  Now Fort comes back out with a vengenace, landing repeated power shots to the head of Rodriguez, who looks aggravated but unhurt.  Fort’s left jab is now landing with regularity.  The two now begin circling, and Rodriguez catches Fort with a flurry as Fort attempts to come forward.  Fort responds with tremendous aggression, landing a series of power shots that snap Rodriguez’s head back repeatedly.  A lengthy lull at the close of the round ends with Fort landing a vicious right hook at the bell.

Round 2

Fort’s greater reach is clear, and he uses it – but not to full advantage, as Rodriguez occasionally catches him with a lead or a counter.  The two men trade in the center of the ring, Fort landing the last and hardest shot.  Fort bounces on his toes and switches up his feet a couple of times, then hits Rodriguez with a strong hook.  The two trade again, and again Fort comes out on top.  Rodriguez’s posture is changing; he’s beginning to hunker down even as he comes forward.  Fort lands a strong left hook, punching through his target, then does it again a few seconds later.  the two are moving more slowly now, and referee Nelson isn’t running so much to keep good angles.  In the last few seconds before the bell Fort lands two one-twos, and the round comes to an end.

Round 3

The pattern that’s emerging is that Rodriguez can land a lead here and there, but Fort makes him pay every time.  Fort pumps the jab a few times and it serves to emphasize how infrequently he’s been throwing it.  Now Rodriguez lands a strong left hook, but it’s a single punch.  Fort throws a  hard straight right that puts Rodriguez up against the ropes and draws blood from his nose.  Rodriguez continues to buy his offense at a heavy price, as Fort smears his blood around with lefts and rights.  Fort covers up and allows Rodriguez to bounce a couple of power shots off his forearms, and and emerges after twenty seconds of relative inactivity to land about five good power shots that clearly hurt Rodriguez.  A huge left jab to the face draws an audible grunt from Rodriguez.  With five seconds to go Rodriguez opens up and for the first time in a while lands a few punches without eating any counters from Fort.

Round 4

The combatants land simultaneous short rights, then commence to circling.  Fort connects with another good left hook, Rodriguez a good shot of his own, and Fort a good right that would knock out a horse.  Rodriguez backs into the ropes and takes a tremendous beating, Fort landing a series of six to eight power shots flush and undefended.  Mark Nelson stops the fight just before Rodriguez takes a knee, and Rodriguez, knowing that the stoppage is good, spits his mouthpiece out with pronounced disappointment.

INTERMISSION

Fifth bout of the evening:

Brad Patraw (now 5-0 with 3 kayos) defeats Antwan Robertson (now 4-1 with 3 kayos) by unanimous decision after 6 rounds

The orchestral theme to Superman heralds Antwan Robertson’s ring entrance, and Robertson enters the ring in full Superman regalia, including a red cape.  Wow - Antwan’s made a trip to the costume shop!  Now Brad Patraw bounces out of the locker room with a full mohawk.  In black stencil on the back of Patraw’s trunks is the word Kryptonite.  Looking good, guys.  The mood in this room is electric.

Round 1

The two men rush out to the center of the ring and touch gloves, and Patraw immediately goes on the offensive, roughing Roberton up and forcing a clinch.  Now the two begin to circle and feint.  Robertson charges forward but in doing so forgets to throw a punch, then backs off and lands a jab.  we have a clinch, some wrestling, and an angry warning from referee Gary Miezwa.  Robertson seems not fully prepared to deal with Patraw’s aggressiveness.  Now Patraw drops his right hand and swings it like a pendulum, daring Robertson to clock him.  It may be a little early for that, Brad.  The two are jabbing, ducking, and showboating.  Patraw lands a hateful right hook to the body of Robertson and Robertson follows ten seconds later with a straight right that throws Patraw off balance.  Patraw corners Robertson and lands a single right to the body.  As the round draws to a close Patraw chases Robertson down and lands a few more single punches, including one to the chin.

Round 2

Patraw hurries out and immediately lands a single right jab, and Robertson is on the retreat again.  Robertson is trying to out-quick and out-clinch Patraw, and lands a major right hook to the head.  Patraw responds with vigor.  Robertson does it again, landing another single right hook.  Patraw throws two punches to the back of Robertson’s head and is warned.  Now Robertson is smiling, and it looks more like glee than show.  Patraw lands another punch to the back of Roberton’s head, unseen by the referee.  Patraw corners Robertson and lands a good right hook, but that’s it for offense.  Robertson lands a straight right, again a single punch.  Robertson is boxing, Patraw is rushing in with aggression.  Miezwa puts a pause to the action so Patraw’s shoelace can be retied, and everyone in the crowd is shouting insructions to both fighters.  Patraw chases Robertson down throwing jabs that don’t land, then puts a right hook into Robertson’s ribs just before the round ends.

Round 3

The pace is beginning to slow in this one.  Patraw lands a wide left and a wide right, then lands a stinging right to Roberton’s ribs.  Robertson fights back in anger, landing two fierce hooks, then taunts Patraw.  Patraw is incensed, but tones things down and throws several jabs to the body.  A winging left hook lands for Patraw, then a jab to the face.  Robertson is doing a good job of protecting his body, and the two clinch again, ending in a wrestling match and an intervention by Miezwa.  Robertson has his right hand at his waist, Patraw drops his left.  Single punches are landing, and Robertson puts his head down and bulls forward.  Patraw puts Robertson in a headlock, angering the crowd.  Now Patraw batters Robertson into a corner, allows him to escape, chases him down again, and lands a couple of vicious hooks in the opposite corner of the ring.  Bell, and the round is over.

Round 4

Robertson lands a right and then throws his first three-punch combination of the fight.  Patraw is content to follow for a time, then corners Robertson and hurts him there.  Robertson escapes and runs, but is caught and hurt again.  Robertson appears distressed.  Patraw’s speed and technique are overcoming Robertson’s athleticism and taunting.  This round is going decisively in Patraw’s favor, and he begins to taunt Robertson by hanging his face out to be hit.  Robertson is unable to pull the trigger.  Exiting a clinch without the referee’s direction Robertson lands a good right to Patraw’s head, and the two circle and stare for the remainder of the round.

Round 5

Patraw lands a left hook.  Robertson is warned to keep his punches up, I did not see the cause for this warning.  Patraw is stalking, Robertson is retreating.  Patraw’s face is now expressionless as he is focused on his goal.  Miezwa pauses the fight again so that Patraw’s shoelace can be retied…again.  Do they offer a course in shoe-tying in the St Paul public schools?  Patraw lands a  strong hook to Robertson’s head.  Robertson is very athletic but seems to lack direction in the ring.  Robertson lands a huge right hook which causes Patraw to grin.  You know what a grinning fighter means – it means that hurt.  Patraw continues to press the action, and Robertson flinches at a feint for the first time as the round draws near its end.  Patraw lands two combinations that make Robertson grin, and the bell sounds.

Round 6

The early action in round six is nonstop and exciting.  Robertson obviously knows that he needs an knockout to win, and he is going for broke.  About midway throught the round there’s a lull in the action, and then Patraw fires back with three hooks that land.  Robertson has decided to retreat, but the ropes stop him and he’s caught again.  Robertson tries to spin out of a clinch and Patraw manages to halt his right hook before it lands to the back of Antwan’s head.  Patraw has Robertson hurt now, and with blood in the water he’s going for the kill.  Robertson is getting backed up and hurt, and he has no answer for Patraw.  Now a wicked Patraw left hook lands at the ten seconds warning, and Patraw charges forward, does a high-stepping dance, and lands a couple more power shots at the final bell.

Fifth and final bout of the evening:

Main Event: Andy Kolle (now 18-2 with 13 kayos) defeated Anthony Bonsante (now 32-11-3 with 18 kayos) by TKO in round 3 of 10 scheduled, to take away Bonsante’s Minnesota middleweight championship.

After two well-performed anthems (tribal and national), the entrances are delayed by an apparent altercation in the crowd.  What was that I said about a charged atmosphere?  Kolle’s signature ring-entrance music begins and the crowd erupts.  Kolle enters the ring in a shiny black plastic ensemble, shirt and shorts.  He brings an entourage with him, and they play to the crowd for a good two minutes as the music blares.  Now Bonsante’s contingent screams for their man as he approaches the ring to Sammy Kershaw’s I Got It Honest.  Something you don’t see every day: each man has his own  announcer – Greg Lowe for Kolle, Dan Cole for Bonsante.

Round 1

And they’re off.  Kolle starts pumping the right jab early, Bonsante takes a moment to get going.  First punch to land is a left jab from Kolle to Bonsante’s midsection.  The crowd begins to chant for Kolle, and Kolle lands a stiff left jab to Bonsante’s gut.  Bonsante charges in for the first time tonight but is unable to get inside.  Another try results in Kolle’s right elbow contacting Bonsnate’s nose, but no evident damage is done.  Kolle continues to jab and Bonsante is moving backward.  Now Bonsante lands a right hook and chases Kolle into a corner but departs without getting inside.  The two trade jabs from the outside, but neither is landing effectively.  Now Bonsante lands his first earnest punches of the night, a couple of angry right hooks, and the two clash and trade.  Bonsante is unable to stay inside for long, and the round ends with Kolle splashing another jab into Bonsante’s face.

Round 2

Bonsante lands a left jab to Kolle’s face, then gets inside and lands wide hooks to both sides of Kolle’s ribcage.  A clinch devolves into a Bonsante headlock, but the two part ways.  The two trade briefly, and Bonsante gets the better of it.  Bonsante is having some success with hooks to the body, but he leaves himself open and Kolle lands a strong left to his face.  Bonsante gets inside again and surprises Kolle with a left hook to the face.  Now Kolle is closing the distance, and that’s to Bonsante’s advantage.  Another left lands to Kolle’s head, and he responds with a three punch combination that misses completely.  Another three-punch combo also misses for Kolle.  Kolle is having trouble landing the jab, Bonsnate gets inside then stands up, briefly lifting Kolle off his feet.  Bonsante is tagged with a combination of three hard hooks to the face as the round ends, and he walks back to his corner looking annoyed.

Round 3

Early on it’s all Bonsante, but then the two begin to trade and Kolle lands several good hooks that hurt Bonsante.  The two circle and trade, then Kolle lands a hook that stuns Bonsante and a straight left that puts him out cold.  Referee Mark Nelson begins to count as Bonsante lies prone on his stomache with his butt in the air, and Bonsante suddenly comes to and rises to his feet.  After the mandatory eight-count Bonsante is unable to continue, and the fight is waved off!  Nelson stops the bout at 1:37 of the third round, and Minnesota has a new middleweight champion! 

Conclusion:  Bonsante grabs the microphone and graciously announces that Kolle is a good kid and hit him with a good left.  Bonsante says that he had a good run as state middleweight champ and that if he had to lose his title to anyone, he’s glad it was Kolle.  For his part, Kolle dedicates his win to the people of Fargo-Moorhead and asks that folks volunteer in the ongoing flood fight.

The crowd here tonight was great, and no matter who you supported, you should be glad for the great turnout, exciting atmostphere, and compelling bouts.

Note: Referee Mark Nelson explains his decision to stop the fight: “I almost told Bonsante to walk toward me, but then instead I decided to ask him a question.  I asked him if he was ready to continue and he said ‘No.’  I asked him again, are you ready to continue?  And he said ‘No” again.  Bonsante is an old pro and I’ve worked his fights before, and he knows what I expect of him.  I could have waved it off but I wanted to give him every opportunity to continue, and he wasn’t ready to go.  So I stopped it.

Upcoming Boxing Event: March 28 at Grand Casino Hinckley

The atmosphere on Saturday night is guaranteed to be charged.  There will be loyalists from various boxing camps, hardcore boxing fans hoping for a great show, and casual fans hoping for a scary knockout.  There will be all the vulgar rituals that inevitably attend our beautiful sport: drinking, betting, shouting, swearing, and arguing.  Cameras will be flashing, reporters taking notes, bloggers trying ineffectually to conserve laptop battery power, and perhaps even a few representatives of the mainstream press trying to understand the strange and unfamiliar spectacle that confronts them.

But most critically, there should be you.

I hope you’ve bought your tickets.  I’m not predicting a sellout, but I have been told that sales are “ahead of all other past Hinckley shows.”  And why not?  The featured bout is a matchup of the most accomplished middleweight in Minnesota in the last ten years with one of the highest-profile young fighters to emerge from our state in any division in the last five years.  The co-feature will  showcase two talented small men putting their undefeated status on the line.  And the undercard consists of four well-matched bouts.

What to watch for:  Defending Minnesota middleweight champ Anthony Bonsante defends his belt against worthy challenger Andy Kolle.  The winner will raise his profile and the loser will question the direction of his career.  Super flyweight Antwan Robertson and featherweight Brad Patraw compromise and meet at 120# as they fight for the first time as pros – remember that Patraw gave Robertson two of the three losses of his amateur career.  Ceresso Fort of Rice Street takes on rough and reckless Iowan Joshua Rodriguez.  Gary Eyer makes the trip from Duluth to face old veteran Scott Robinson of Wisconsin.  Brawler Tyler Gould returns to welterweight to fight division fixture Danny Schlienz.  And newcomer Kasey Kluge makes his professional debut against winless Brandon Skinner of Nebraska.

• Anthony Bonsante (32-10 with 18 kayos) -vs- Andy Kolle (17-2 with 12 kayos), for the Minnesota state middleweight title, scheduled for 10 rounds
• Brad Patraw (4-0 with 3 kayos) -vs- Antwan Robertson (4-0 with 3 kayos), super bantamweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Ceresso Fort (4-0 with 4 kayos) -vs- Joshua Rodriguez (4-6 with 3 kayos), light heavyweights, scheduled for 6 rounds
• Gary Eyer (4-0-1 with 3 kayos) -vs- Scott Robinson (3-8-1 with 2 kayos), lightweights, scheduled for 5 rounds
• Kasey Kluge (0-0) -vs- Brandon Skinner (0-2), featherweights, scheduled for 4 rounds
• Tyler Gould (5-3 with 5 kayos) -vs- Daniel Schlienz (7-15-1 with 4 kayos), scheduled for 4 rounds

Minnesota Boxing Dreams Really Do Come True

For a while in 2008 it looked like the Minnesota boxing scene had gone stale.

Sure, we had Minnesota fighters getting cracks at prospects, Matt Vanda had two spirited contests with JCC2, and we even had Jason Litzau go eight rounds (or 7.85 rounds) with world featherweight titlist Robert Guerrero with a belt on the line.  But the intra-Minnesota wars weren’t happening, and everybody seemed to feel the void.

Matchups that people were talking about in Minnesota were getting not made in spades; matches like Zach Walters -vs- Phil Williams, Anthony Bonsante -vs- Andy Kolle or Kenny Kost, Allen Litzau -vs- Wilton Hilario, Joey Abell -vs- Raphael Butler, or seemingly any two fighters at or under 130#.

Now early in 2009 it looks like the opposite dynamic is at work.  Three bouts of particular note deserve the attention of Minnesota fight fans:

Brad Patraw -vs- Antwan Robertson: A source of exasperation for Minnesotans has been the apparent unwillingness of Minnesota’s small men to meet in the ring.  There are just too many good young fighters at or below 130# who could be matched if they were willing.  In addition to Patraw and Robertson, who are both 4-0, we also have Willshaun Boxley at 4-0, Wilton Hilario at 10-0, Allen Litzau at 13-3, Jeremy McLaurin at 2-0, and Gary Eyer at 4-0 .  Each name could potentially be matched with at least two others from the list, but none have been.  Now Patraw and Robertson are set to disrupt the frustrating trend with their meeting scheduled for March 28 at Grand Casino Hinckley.  Neither has made a big splash on the pro scene, but both are undefeated, so whoever wins will have enhanced their resume considerably.  And whoever loses can say his only loss was to an undefeated prospect!

Anthony Bonsante -vs- Andy Kolle: This fight, also on March 28 at Grand Casino Hinckley, will be Bonsante’s first defense of the Minnesota middleweight title since winning it against Matt Vanda 25 months ago.  It comes against a very deserving opponent.  The younger boxer from Fergus Falls by way of Duluth has a record of 17-2 with the two losses coming to contender Andre Ward and world champion Paul Williams, while his two best wins came against Matt Vanda and Jonathan Reid, a couple of 30+ win veterans.  Bonsante, for his part, brings a long and varied history to the ring with him, including wins against such accomplished fighters as Tony Ayala Jr, Troy Lowry, and the aforementioned Vanda.  Ringsiders can expect to see a competitive affair featuring skilled combatants, a special treat for the dedicated local fight fan.

Allen Litzau -vs- Wilton Hilario: This fight pits 13-3 Litzau against 10-0 Hilario in a super featherweight bout, and this one has it all: history (as an amateur Hilario fought from COD gym in Minneapolis, Litzau from Glancey’s Gym in St Paul), nationalism (Dominican Republic -vs- USA), race (Latino -vs- White), civic competition (Minneapolis -vs- St Paul), and bad blood (see http://www.minnesotaboxing.com/Interviews/Hilario/2_5_07.html for more on that).  A couple of skilled young men in tremendous shape fighting for in-state bragging rights can only be good for the local game - the only thing better would have been for this fight to happen sooner.

These fights are either signed or nearly so.   What else is brewing, I couldn’t say – there’s more than one good promoter operating in Minnesota, and the good ones are good at keeping secrets.  But for the local fight fan there is hope for the future, and we can be thankful for that.