Ennis & Ferrante decision wins highlight the ESPN card at The Arena!

Talk about it on the forum here http://phillykeith.com/fightforum/index.php?topic=840.msg6106#new

Shalyte Promotions inaugural card at The Arena was a winner as they collaborated with Jimmy Burchfield and ESPN to provide a mostly competitive 9 bout card that was seen across the nation. On the local side, Jr. Middleweight Derek "Pooh" Ennis made the TV portion of the show and delivered some post 4th of July fireworks, scoring two hard knockdowns during a competitive fight against Alabama tough journeyman John Mackey en route to a 6 round unanimous decision win. After a steady start from both men, Pooh almost sealed the deal in the 2nd round when he put Mackey on the canvas with a combination upstairs. Mackey did rise and actually fought hard enough to win some of the middle rounds. It was a good fight down the stretch and Ennis was the one looking to close the show as he put Mackey down hard late in the 6th with a head shot. Mackey got up again and weathered a late flurry to end the fight on his feet. Good showing for Ennis on national TV as he makes his case to secure a more meaningful fight in the near future.

Mayfair Light Heavy Tony "Boom Boom" Ferrante found himself in the fight of his young career and dug deep down the stretch to pull out an 8 round majority decision win over the upset minded Billy Bailey of California. The fight had a steady theme, Ferrante headhunted and landed some good right hands upstairs or some well timed uppercuts while Bailey played the role of buzz saw, firing and landing hard hooks to the body. The momentum see-sawed from rounds 1 - 6. There were times where Bailey looked hurt, there were times where Ferrante's tank seemed to have nothing but dust particles left. Throughout it all both kept on fighting. Ferrante gained a second wind when it matter most as he clearly took the final two rounds and was on the verge of a KO late in the 8th. Probably the best local fight in Philly so far this year.

In the TV co-feature, Light Heavy contender Chris Henry overcame a Shawn George SCUD missile attack in the early going, and after being force fed overhand right after right without budging, he turned the tide, gave his opponent a taste of his own medicine and eventually KO'd George late in the 5th round in one hell of a fight.

Olivia Fonseca scored a 3rd round KO with a body shot in her scheduled 4 rounds. Olivia, known for her wild brawls, actually sat back and boxed this time around and looked good doing it.

Jackie Davis pulled herself off the canvas in round 1 to win a clear cut unanimous decision in her 4 rounder. Rounds 2 - 4 were non stop Davis as she fought like it was now or never. Great show of heart from the Ivan Robinson trained boxer.

Angel Ocassio had some good moments in his pro debut. Good movement, good hand speed, seems to have some pop and brought a decent crowd with him. Did seem a little hesitant at times though offensively. Overall a solid start to his career.

Derek Webster beat up a guy who should never be allowed to lace up the gloves ever again. This one was mercifully stopped midway through the 1st.

In the TV main event, Sioux Falls native Shaun Hawk should have stayed on the reservation as he and Connecticut's Matt Godfrey combined to put on a 10 round stinker that Godfrey won by unanimous decision to retain the NABF Cruiserweight title. Ran Nakash has nothing to fear if this is his competition at the next level...

Full write up with photos to come soon.