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(AUG 31) Palmetto Boxing Promotions
continues to establish itself as a leader in boxing promotions in the
southeast United States by putting on an exciting 11 card show at the
Radisson last night before an enthusiastic crowd. Local favorite Chris
Fitzpatrick, a young 165 pounder, convincingly pounded Torrance King of
Ohio to win a unanimous six round decision. Fitzpatrick displayed a
powerful and well rounded offensive arsenal with no obvious weaknesses.
King utilized a defensive style but Fitzpatrick was able to persuasively
penetrate to repeatedly punish King with combinations, notably using
angles and uppercuts very effectively. An exciting bout indeed. Although
he wasn’t able to get the KO in this six rounder, Fitzpatrick displayed
excellent tools and we are looking forward to watching his career
unfold. We have high hopes for him indeed. Another exciting bout that had been much anticipated was Jared Robinson’s pro debut. Robinson, a South Carolina native with a spectacular amateur career behind him, displayed awesome power and timing by destroying a weaving Stan Piles of Raleigh in about 10 seconds into the first round with a devastating left hook right on the button. This lightning bolt dropped Piles like a ton of bricks and Piles lay motionless for some minutes while receiving medical attention. After recovering Piles was able to walk unassisted from the ring. Although obviously a mismatch, this bout gave us a tantalizing taste of the potential greatness as a pro that awaits Robinson. The undersigned is also pleased to have had the opportunity to shake Robinson’s hand after the bout and I must add that he appears to be a fine young man as well as a promising, powerful fighter. A South Carolina fighter making his pro debut was Jonathan Hernandez at 135. He displayed a nice smoothness, nice rhythm and a very nice jab. He gained punching power and confidence as the fight progressed, and as his opponent Darryl Watson started to run out of gas, gathering a storm in the 3rd to garner the TKO. Nice fight. A fighter with some promise. We look forward to seeing him in future bouts. A disappointment was the much hyped undefeated local favorite woman boxer Angel Gladney v Nikita McCargo card, no fault due to Gladney. Gladney took a quick victory when McCargo refused to come out for the second round. McCargo didn’t appear hurt and apparently lacked the stomach to endure further pain from Gladney. Enquiring minds wonder if the Boxing Commission may withhold McCargo’s purse for lack of effort. In such a short bout it was impossible for this first time viewer of Gladney to really offer much insight as to her potential or skills. This match was perhaps the disappointment of the evening. Also worthy of note, Schott’s Boxing of Albany New York represented the great state of New York in very good form last night, bringing down four fighters all of who gave very solid performances and all whom won their bouts. A well coached bunch, they were led by Broderick Antoine who outpointed Andre Baker of Lumberton in an eight round decision. Talking to their coach later, I was informed that Antoine may have injured his left hand in the third round and thus had to stick with his right jab (Antoine is a southpaw). Coaching skills were demonstrated in the fight matching the New York fighter Stephen Scott v William Armestead with the very nice movement shown by Scott Armestead was doing the bumrush on Scott, lunging forward awkwardly. Scott, in his pro debut, was a little confused by this tactic in the first but after receiving extensive guidance in the corner between rounds made some nice adjustments in subsequent rounds, giving nice side to side movement to avoid being tied up and to maintain punching distance and was able to repeatedly score points in this manner. Scott took a unanimous 4 round decision. Two other Schott’s fighters, Brian Miller and Mike Faragon scored early and decisive knockouts over Markel Muhammed and Jerry Presley, respectively. Fine knockouts but these bouts could have been better matched. Nevertheless, I liked the power. Hats off to Schott’s – came all the way from the great state of New York and represented well. Keep up the good work Schotts. We wouldn’t mind you all coming to visit Palmetto land again sometime. Another disappointment was that the “Tremendous” Travis Simms fight didn’t occur. The word was that Simms’ opponent pulled out although there was no official word on this from the ringside announcer. All in all, a very exciting night of boxing in the Palmetto state. Hats off to Palmetto Boxing Promotions and to promoter, Mr. Andrew Stokes, as well as to Billy Stanick of Stanick Roofing, for their efforts on behalf of boxing in the great state of South Carolina. Remember folks, if the fighters don’t have a venue to display their skills, we the fans of boxing can’t see them, and gentleman such as Stokes and Stanick are responsible for giving the fighters this venue. Also a tip of the hat to all the fine folks at the South Carolina Boxing Commission, who are doing a very fine job from what this observer can see in helping to grow boxing in South Carolina. This observer has high hopes for more exciting bouts from Palmetto Boxing Promotions in the coming months. Todd Jacobson “Jake at Ringside” Columbia, SC August 29, 2009 |
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