For only the 3rd time in 63 years, Glendale, CA played host to professional boxing, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
In a battle for the vacant NABO Bantamweight Title, Khabir Suleymanov scored an impressive come-from-behind 9 round KO over Javier "El Girito" Gallo. A close action fight for much for the first 8 1/2 rounds, Gallo was the pursuer, while Suleymanov attempted to counterpunch. Suleymanov began implementing a body attack in round seven, which seemed to turn the tide in his favor, yet Gallo kept coming forward, applying pressure. Gallo ahead on two of the judges scroecards, when 'The Crazy Russian" ended matters with a looping right hand. Gallo rose, but could not respond to referee Raul Caiz Jr's instructions. Time was 2:59 of the 9th. Suleymanov, of Los Angeles by way of Russia, moves to 11-0- (5KOs), while Gallo, of Buena Park by way of Tijuana, drops to 16-3-1 (9 KOs).
In the co-main event, Anatoliy Dudchenko of Skadovsk, Ukraine scored a wide unanimous 6-round decision over veteran Chris "Cold Steel" Thomas, Chicago, IL, in a Cruiserweight bout. Thomas, the former NABA champ, tried some veteran tricks to close distance, but Dudchenko controlled most of the action with his jab and right hand leads. Thomas was dropped 3 times total, although at least one of them appeared to be the result of tangled feet. While it looked as if Thomas was fading, he was able to make it to the final bell, where Dudchenko prevailed by scores of 60-50 on all cards. "The Dragon Man" improved to 9-2 (7KOs), while Thomas falls to 17-14-2 (14 KOs). After the match, Dudchenko said he felt much stronger at the 200lb limit, after moving up from 175.
In a female Jr Middleweight contest, Holly "Lil Bear" Lawson, of Los Angeles, lost her pro debut by majority decision to Brittney Christian, of Heber, Utah. Christian started strong, by putting pressure on Lawson, and stifling her offense. Lawson seemed to gain control of the bout in round 2, and scored with 1-2 combinations throughout the remainder of the contest. Christian closed very strongly, putting the decision in doubt. 2 of the judges has Christian ahead 39-37, while the third had it even at 38-38. Convicted Artist scored the fight, 39-38 Lawson. Lawson now stands at 0-1, while Christian improves to 2-1 (1KO).
In the card's opener, Jesus "El Pollo" Hernandez , of Los Mochis, SIN, Mexico barely kept his unbeaten record against Denver's Stevie Marquez, in a 4 round Lightweight brawl. Hernandez was dropped twice with straight counter shots in a wild first round. El Pollo came back to drop Marquez in round two, and the heavy action continued from there. Hernandez seemd to have more control in the final two rounds, as he rocked Marquez when the two traded shots. All 3 judges scored the fight 37-36 for Hernandez, as did Convicted Artist.
A junior middleweight fight between unbeated prospect Hugo Centeno of Oxnard and debuting Todd Willingham of Riverside was scratched at the last minute, when Willingham became ill. Promoters of the card were Art of Boxing Promotions, and Bash Boxing. Sponsors included the L.A. Clippers and West Coast Boot Camp in La Canada.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
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