Despite muggy conditions under the tent at Al Hrabosky’s Saloon last Saturday that made it feel like a giant Crock-Pot, scores of boxing fans turned out for an event that included the future of St. Louis’ fight game in the ring and in the stands.
The “All-Star Boxing Card” coincided with baseball’s mid-summer classic, and four amateur contests gave way to a pro portion that included several candidates for “Local Knockout of the Year” honors in the year’s “Best of” column.
South Broadway’s Freddie Mills and Tyler Burs from Realm were called upon to start the show, and they did so in thrilling fashion, with the lefty Burs trying to trap his opponent against the ropes.
But it was Mills who found Burs’ chin with 1, 2’s that prompted a standing eight count in round two and eventually led to an RSC victory for the Southsider.
John Dunze would follow his gym mate with a win, but not until he got past the battle ready Ryan Fox from NCAA in a showdown at 160.
Both men paced themselves well, but the third and final round ended with a toe-to-toe exchange that had referee Marvin Elam prying the pair apart. The judges scored it for Dunze and his hand was raised near the blue corner he had called home for his fifteen minutes of action.
In a frontrunner for the “Amateur Fight of the Year”, Chris Porter from 12th & Park and South Broadway’s Tommy Kronister had an epic tussle, electing to stand and trade on the inside. It was surprising because the taller Kronister could have remained outside and fed Porter longer straight punches, but no one was complaining as round three began and the duo both floored their accelerators to meet at the center of the ring.
It ended the way it had to, with both throwing compact, vicious power punches and although it was a difficult task to score, the judges rendered a verdict in Kronister’s favor as the crowd looked forward to the pros who were preparing to make their ring walks.
It didn’t take long – 17 seconds, in fact – for a reminder of the guts it takes to climb into a squared circle stripped of everything but trunks, shoes, gloves and heart. For that was how little time had ticked off the timekeeper’s watch before Jamaar “The Hurricane” Hampton fired a clubbing right over his opponent’s low left glove and a startled “Ooh!” shot through the space and brought Hampton’s fans to their feet.
Kansas City’s Jeremiah “The Rock” Graziano would follow suit in the next match, using a bob and weave style similar to Joe Frazier’s to work his way in range on route to scoring a savage second round stoppage.
But it was Kenny “Lethal Lefty” Loehr who extracted the most frightening toll from his counterpart, landing a concussive strike that had ringside observers fearing for the fallen fighter’s well-being. The waiting EMT crew and ambulance were pressed into action, and after a short delay the main event rolled on.
St. Louis’ Chris Eppley would make quick work of Dennis Ogboo on his way to capturing the WBF’s light heavyweight strap, punctuating a successful card and rewarding fans for braving the heat during another mid-summer classic.
Rumble Time Card at Chaifetz
Also in attendance Saturday were Deandre Latimore, Ryan Coyne, Dannie Williams, Kevin Engel and Ty Chatman. All plan on being part of the action on August 22 when Rumble Time Promotions presents their “It’s On” event at Chaifetz Arena. The roster should make for one of the highlights of the calendar year and with tickets starting at just $10, fans will be able to catch all the local favorites at affordable prices. More information is available at www.metrotix.com or by calling (314) 534-1111.