photos by Zach Radel
It was title night at The National Guard Armory as Promoter Greg Robinson, matchmaker Ty McNeil and the Power Productions crew upped the anti with a five fight card, three having championship implications. On paper, it looked great and in the ring it was even better as every fight on the card proved something memorable. We had an big upset in the USBA featherweight title fight, a fight of the year candidate as two men looked to become the Tri-State Super Middleweight Champ, a fight off the Philly Keith Sports dream card which came as advertised for the regional USBA Jr. Welterweight title and an under card which gave an early KO of the year candidate and also displayed a rising prospects arsenal but also showed a grizzled journeyman's desire to finish a fight on his feet. It was one of the best constructed cards in recent memory and continued Power Production push into the upper echelon of Philly boxing Promotions giving fans what they want to see, good tough fights that are even money. The stands were packed and new announcer Chad Beene was on the microphone for this highly anticipated night of pro boxing in Northeast Philly.
Click Here To Comment!USBA Featherweight Title Fight!Rashiem Jefferson...vs...Jose Hernandez
Philly..................Mexico
15-0, 6ko's.............10-6, 4ko'sThe main event matched two polar opposites who were able to position themselves for a title fight in completely different manners. North Philly's Rasheim Jefferson is billed as "Rich and Famous", had a highly decorated amateur career and came equipt with a team that carefully guided his every step as a pro. Securing promotional deals and getting him the right fights at the right time against the right opponents in hopes of making making a push towards the divisions elite. In the other corner, it is safe to say that Jose Hernandez could have been accurately billed as "Broke and Unknown". His career path has taken the road of the unheralded journeyman. This fighter learned his craft fighting for scraps in the ancient Aztec land of Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico. Hernandez earned his stripes in the professional ranks fighting only the up and comers, the ones who had high hopes of one day reaching a championship level. Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost. This night was a familiar scene in his young career, traveling into his opponents hometown to take one a a fighter looking to become the divisions shining star. This time, the stakes were higher than any other fight either man had faced in their career, the USBA featherweight title was on the line and the winner was guaranteed a top 15 ranking in the world after this one.
Hernandez entered the ring first, with three men by his side, proudly holding their native Mexican flag. Coming in last was Jefferson who arrived with a deep entourage and heavy odds in his favor. It was obvious who the majority of the near sell out crowd was rooting for.
Once the opening bell sounded, a fight that was expected to be a boxing display broke down into a back alley punch fest. Hernandez, knowing his only shot of winning was to score a knockout, applied pressure from the get go. Jefferson, whose primary weapons are his pure boxing ability and ring generalship, decided to make this one a war. The fight was on from the early going and both men stood toe to toe exchanging combinations at close quarters, neither man allowing the other any time to breathe.
Hernandez, from his southpaw stance, would initiate the pressure, walking forward and get right into Jefferson's chest, firing off two, three and four punch combinations to his opponents body and head. Jefferson, showing he is not afraid of a good fight despite his background as the boxer / mover type, hung in the pocket, took Hernandez best shots and fire back in return. This was not the best move but the theme held true for the entire 12 rounds until the nd of the fight. While Jefferson showed he was game, Hernandez offense began to wear his opponent down as the fight drew longer. In the 6th, two straight lefts followed by a good push put Jefferson on the canvas for the 1st time as a pro. The Philly fighter beat the count, and continued to fire away but in return took more hard clean punches. There were more spots where both men went toe to toe but it was evident that there was no stopping Hernandez in this one. He seemed hungier, more determined to get the win. Though behind on the scorecards, Jefferson also showed the heart of a champ, taking some good, clean punches only to respond by throwing flurries of his own in the center of the ring.
As the fight reached the championship rounds, Hernandez looked to have the same energy from when the fight started while Jefferson looked to fade out. That didn;t stop Jefferson from giving it his all but Hernandez attack was just too much. Mid way through the 12th and final round, Jefferson, fighting out of desperation and throwing punches with everything he had, collapsed face first from exhaustion and was unable to beat the 10 count. Hernandez fell to his knees and wept tears of joy, realizing the moment he has worked so hard for has finally arrived. After all of the long journeys, lousy fight accommodations and crooked politics of the game, he has overcome the long odds and is now recognized by a known sanctioning body as a champion.
Even in loss, take nothing away from Rashiem Jefferson, he gave every last bit of energy he had in that ring. Hopefully, he will rebound and go on to fight another day.
Winner by 12th round knockout - Jose Hernandez who improves to 11 - 6, 5ko's
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Tri State Super Middleweight Title Fight!Rasheem Brown.....vs.....Jameel Wilson
Philly...................Philly
18- 3, 16ko's............13 - 11- 3, 8ko'sThis was an interesting fight in its own right. In one corner was Rasheem "The Untouchable" Brown a once highly regarded prospect who fell on hard times due to a management deal gone wrong. After sitting out the remainder of that suspect deal, Brown became a free agent and recently signed with the power duo of Moz Gonzalez and Eddie Woods and in turn becoming a featured attraction on recent Power Productions cards. In January, Brown came back to the ring after 2 years on the bench and quickly knocked out known tough guy Jose Medina in January of this year. On the stregnth of that win, he earned a crack at the newly created "Tri-State" Super Middleweight title. The Philly "Insiders" placed heavy odds on a Brown KO win and predicted that this would be the start of a run towards bigger and better things in the boxing world.
His opponent in this contest was Jameel Wilson, another Philly fighter who came out of the gate blazing early in his career, going 10 - 0 on the local circuit before taking his talents to another level only to fall on hard times fighting some of the best in the world in their home town. On paper, it shows that Wilson hasn't won a bout since 2004. What the ink doesn't reflect is that Wilson has been part of some of the most legendary Philly fights over the past decade. Most recently it was a debated draw against Delaware's Richard Stewart, In 2005 he went to war with the world ranked LuJuan Simon only to lose a majority decision. There are others but the bottom line is, if Jameel Wilson is on the card you want to be in the crowd if you are a fight fan.
This fight started looking like it would be an easy night for "Sheem". Through 3 rounds, he came in hard, attacked the body, threw powerful over hand rights upstairs, popped off a strong jab while Wilson stayed on the retreat, trying to fend off his attacker to no avail. Brown was much faster and it seemed, much stronger too. But Wilson, the ever crafty veteran was able to surivie the attack. He took some good shots but still had the sense to do something that not a whole lot of fighters do which is actually listen to his corner. When backed into the turnbuckle his corner would yell "get tight". Wilson would quickly cover up, absorb a few power shots with his gloves and elbows, then slip out of the dangerous position.
Going into the 4th, it looked like it was going to be a long night for Wilson, but towards the end of the round, he landed a big overhand right which rocked Brown. "The Untouchable" got touched and staggered back to the ropes. Wilson smelled the blood and wasted no time trying to seal the deal throwing big overhand rights, stepping back, giving himself space, placing lefts to the body follwed by more rights, referee Ron Aurit was in the two point stance ready to jump in to stop it. Though Brown was stunned, he dug deep and was able to fire back with a nig right hand that brushed Wilson off, giving himself some breathing room and eventually allowing him to esacpe the round.
After that, the war was on the the hammers were flying in the 5th. Unlike previous rounds, it was now Wilson in the role of attacker, coming forward as Brown circled but stopping to throw overhand rights with home run power. The action was back and forth, Brown would land heavy rights and lefts, Wilson would respond with an attack of his own. Rounds 6 - 9 played out this way, Brown going for the kill, Wilson working the body in an attempt to set up the finisher. Both were connecting, both remained standing, the crowd on its feet screaming.
Going into the 10th, many thought this one was up for grabs and both fighters came out with the same thoughts. Win this round and you win the fight. Brown gained the upper hand early landing some bombs on the steel chinned Wilson. Shaken but by no means done, Wilson returned the favor and both fighters went at it in a good tough round. It turned into a bit of a wrestling match in the final minute, Brown in a clinch bought himself much needed time with a trip move that both both fighters on the canvas, running the clock down to about :20 ticks. The action resumed but both fighters were standing when it went to the scorecards.
As previously mentioned, many thought it was close but the three people who really matter in a situation like this all saw it by a score of 99 - 91 in favor of Philly's #2 pound for pound fighter, Rasheem "the Untouchable" Brown. Wilson left the ring with a stoic look, replaying a scenario that has been the recent theme of his career, hard work with no reward.
Winner by unanimous decision - "The Untouchable" Rasheem Brown who improves to 19 - 3, 16ko's
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USBA Regional Jr. Welterweight Title Fight!Tyric Robinson....vs....Lenny DeVictoria
Philly..................Philly
8-2, 3ko's..............11-10, 4ko'sDue to circumstances outside of the ring with fights falling out, matchmaker Ty McNeil pulled one off the Philly Keith dreamcard and signed a fight pitting two of the more action packed local fighters against each other.
Lenny "the Hitman" recently resurrecting a staggering career, winning his last two in action packed fashion, the first of which is regarded as the 2007 Philly fight of the year. Prior to these fights, Lenny spent a lot of time taking fights on short notice in other prospects hometowns, usually leaving with the short end of the stick. But times have changed, his team said they rededicated themselves to the sport and now found themselves in a primary position to earn bigger paydays and move their way up the world rankings.
His opponent, Tyric "Too Sweet" Robinson has come to be known as a fighter with a bit of a split ring personality. When faced with a legitimate challenge, he puts out a 110% effort and can steal a show. Late last year going against the toughest opponent of his career, Too Sweet went to war and came out on top in a thrilling slug fest over Utah's Chris Fernandez. But in his follow up performance, he dropped the ball and lost a rather lazy decision to the very non-descript Jason Jordan. After that fight, Too Sweet was quoted as saying "I'm tired of fighting these bums". It has always been my opinion that Too Sweet fights to the level of his competiton, and on this night he would need to bring his A game because he was in with a guy who has seen and done a lot in the game and with the title on the line, was ready to put it all out there. Prior to this fight, it was safe to say that it was a do or die situation in the young career of Too Sweet to ever be considered as a legitimate threat.
Many were predicting an all out war, but instead we were treated to a very good, technically sound boxing match. Too Sweet took the lead through three, jabbing, being the ring general and firing off well placed body shots in varieties of two, three and four punch combinations. Lenny, though behind was like an old Volts wagon in the winter. It took a little while to get warmed up, but once the engine started to sweat, it was ready to run all night.
Lenny began to cut into the lead in the 4th, and in the 5th, he began to make Too Sweet miss and at the end of the round landing a crackling overhand right which sent Robinson wobbling into a corner. Lenny, tasting the win, wasted no time following up with lefts and rights to the head. Referee Shawn Clarke was in position and had the hawk-eye on Too Sweet, itching to make a leap and call a halt to the bout. Fortunately for Robinson,the bell sounded to end the round as Lenny went back to his corner to a big greeting from his corner men.
The Hitman was like a wolf in the 6th, firing off power shots trying to recapture his advantage of the previous round. Towards the end of the round Too Sweet was able to rebound but it wasn't enough to capture this round.
It was dead even through 6, but in the latter rounds, Too Sweet was able to retake the lead, reestablishing his role as initiator moving, jabbing, ripping off combinations and when the opportunity was right, playing the role of bully foring the fight to the ropes.
By the 9th, Lenny was wearing the Crimson Mask courtesy of a right to the nose. Bloodied but not battered, he continued to make a fight out of it and both men went toe to toe. Too Sweet threw in volume, Lenny looked for the one big shot upstairs.
The 10th and final round was a very good one, Lenny, knowing he was behind on the cards looked for the knockout but Too Sweet wasn't having it. He would neutralize the Hitmans attack by forcing him to the ropes, working the body and not letting him breath.
It eventually went to the score cards with all three judges seeing it 98 - 92, 97-93 & 96 - 94, proclaiming Tyric "Too Sweet" Robinson as the new USBA regional Jr. Welterweight Champion. Welcome back to the top 10 pound for pound list Too Sweet! A hard fought win in a very steady contest, proving their worthy of dream card status.
Winner by unanimous decision - Tyric "Too Sweet" Robinson who improves to 9-2, 3ko's
Click Here To Comment!For more photos contact zach@zarphotography.com
Light Heavyweight Division
Tony Ferrante....vs....Ray Ruiz
Philly.................Philly
2-0....................6-9, 4ko's
Philly Keith Sports has inched its way to the top by being the voice of the boxing people, giving anyone and everyone involved an place to air it all out. For months, Ray Ruiz was calling out for an opportunity to fight an young up and comer from Mayfair, making claims of one sided sparring sessions and how it would all carry over once to the big stage if ever given the chance. On this night "The 40 year old phenom" got what he asked for but paid a big price for his antics as a single Tony "Boom-Boom" Ferrante right hand straight down the pipe most likely ended his career as a paid professional.
After a solid first round, Boom-Boom landed the mentioned money shot early in the second, knocking Ruiz straight back to the canvas. Likely out before he even hit the mat, his head bounced like a basketball off the surface, creating a scary scene which kept him down for more than 5 minutes, in need of a stretcher ride out. In all seriousness, we hope the best for the man who is also known as "The Superstar" and have some work for him in the Philly Keith media stable if he ever wants to help generate fight hype. Hopefully he was not seriously injured.
Click Here To Comment!For more photos contact zach@zarphotography.com
Jr. Welterweight Division
Ray Robinson...vs...Jason Jordan
Philly.............Ohio
7-0, 3ko's.........5-19This fight was intended to be a showcase for a prospect who is regarded as having potential to really go places in his career. Jordan on the other hand, pays the rent by keeping his bags packed and traveling from town to town facing rising prospects and usually going home with an L. BUT, last time in Philly, Jordan pulled off a shocker, taking a unanimous decision from Tyric Robinson. Would lightening strike twice? Absolutely not. Robinson came out of the gate blazing, scoring three knockdowns in the 2st all courtesy of left hands to the head.
To Jordan's credit, he fights to live and instead of getting hit with a long medical suspension that comes with a knockout loss, he hung on to finish the bout on his feet and even managed to win the last round as Robinson grew more disinterested.
"The New" Ray Robinson showed he does have a good skill package but must learn to stay focused. Jordan, keeps his rep as a durable fighter who will give a guy rounds intact and will probably be fighting again in some small arena in parts unknown two or three weeks from now.
Winner - "The New" Ray Robinson who improves to 8 -0, 3ko's
For more photos contact zach@zarphotography.com
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Labels: "The New" Ray Robinson, Jameel Wilson, Lenny DiVictoria, National Guard Armory, PA State Title Fight, Power Productions, Rasheem Brown, Rasheem Jefferson, Tony Ferrante, Tyric Robinson
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.
