When a trio of local boxing Hall of Fame members and one to be join forces to craft a pro-am event, it’s no surprise when the thrilling results are similar to last Thursday evening’s action inside the Machinists Hall in Bridgeton.
It was there that a packed house soaked in a show presented by Jack Martorelli, Steve Holley, Jim Howell and Jerry Leyshock.
Deirdre Rhodes from Wellston was up to her winning ways again, using busy hands and precision footwork to land a decision victory over North County’s game Emily McCann.
South Broadway Athletic Club’s Tommy Kronister also kept his winning streak alive to close the amateur portion of the night, surging ahead as the finish line stretched across the horizon near the end of the third and final round to take a decision from his counterpart.
In the pro ranks, Adrian Armstrong from Springfield, Missouri showed a high boxing IQ as he tangled with the dangerous Juan Carlos Vega in a round reminiscent of Cory Spinks’ 2003 tussle with Ricardo Mayorga.
In the early moments against Vega, it was obvious that Armstrong’s game plan was to box his aggressive foe, even after Vega gestured at him to stand and trade. But the trainer in Armstrong’s crimson corner yelled to his man, imploring him to be patient and not engage in a free swinging affair.
Armstrong was impressive as he circled on his bicycle, using every inch of real estate inside the ropes and keeping his advancing enemy at bay with a nifty jab.
The execution paid off in the waning seconds of the first when Armstrong slashed a straight razor of a left hook across the floating ribs on Vega’s right flank, sending him to the floor and leading to a stoppage by referee Mike England.
The next contest on the bout sheet would prove to be a frontrunner for local “Fight of the Year” honors as Jamar Hampton and Dino Oliver hit the canvas running and traded leather over four furious frames.
With such a limited amount of time, it was obvious neither of the men were interested in giving rounds away as they peppered each other with power punches. By the third Oliver was enjoying success with uppercuts as he rolled and countered, while Hampton answered with chopping right hands in an effort to secure the victory.
The pair battled to the bruising end and when the scorecards were tallied and Oliver’s mitt was raised, the fans rose to acknowledge the special performance they had just witnessed.
It was a great moment on a special night at the fights presented by a quartet of experienced promoters and matchmakers.
USA vs. Great Britain This Month
Tickets are on sale for the historic “USA vs. Great Britain: An International Duel” on Saturday, October 24 at the Chaifetz Arena. This will be a unique opportunity to see the brightest amateurs from both sides fresh off this summer’s World Championships. The dynamic two-time Olympian Rau’Shee Warren will be one of the stars on display and ticket prices start at $10. More information is available by calling (314) 534-1111 or online at Metrotix.com.
