Knockout Nation

(KNOCKOUT NATION – JULY 6, 2008)

Saturday night’s Shobox main event between Ricardo Torres and Kendall Holt provided boxing with what has to be considered the round of the year thus far in 2008. The fight which was a rematch to their controversial 2007 brawl, ended much sooner than any of us could anticipate. With just the fight just beginning, both fighters came out swinging and Torres managed to catch Holt with a thudding right hand that sent the challenger down only seconds into the match. Kendall Holt beat the count, but only moments later was dropped again after a series of punches punctuated by a left hook from Torres.

Although Kendall Holt once again beat the count and seemed okay, it appeared that his chin would not hold up to the firepower of Ricardo Torres. Just as it looked like the fight would soon end, Kendall Holt timed and caught Torres with a right hand coming in. The shot would send Torres down in what seemed to be a seated, slumped over position on the ropes. For a split second, it looked as if Torres was regaining his bearings. However, upon further inspection, Torres appeared to be out cold and motionless. Referee Jay Nady began to count, but quickly called the bout to a halt at 1:01 in the first round.

With the win, Holt is now the new WBO Jr. welterweight champion with a record of 24-2 and 13 Ko’s. Torres, whose record falls to 32-2 and 28 Ko’s, thankfully appeared to be okay after several minutes of being tended to by medical personnel. Regarding his loss, Torres stated, “I had him…He was in my hands. I got careless. He got me.” Torres was later taken to the hospital for a thorough post fight examination.

The undercard and co-feature saw Lamont Peterson defeat Rogelio Castaneda via 9th round stoppage. Peterson dominated Castaneda and methodically broke him down throughout the fight. The end came as Peterson landed a crashing right hook on Castaneda that sent him down to the canvas. Castaneda beat the count but when on to take more punishing shots from Peterson that prompted his corner to throw in the towel. Castaneda record falls to 24-14-3 while Peterson’s record now stands at 25-0.

BY: BROWN

Brownkn1@gmail.com