By Justin Jones & Paul “Paparazzi” Jones: Fort Washington, MD – Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (8-0, 5 KOs) of Waldorf, MD has built a loyal fan base in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area. However, his goal is to establish a national audience. After dominating the previously unbeaten “Rebellious” Bilal Mahasin (4-1, 0 KOs) on Friday night at Rosecroft Raceway, people across the country are beginning to take notice.
In the headliner of Keystone Boxing’s “Friday Night Fights” card, Reed and Mahasin engaged in classic contrast of styles: boxer vs. puncher. The chiseled Mahasin of Oakland (CA), who fit the role of “puncher” to a tee, wasted little time in bringing the fight to Reed from the opening bell. After Reed withstood the first minute of Mahasin’s attack, however, it was clear that the Oakland native was in for a long night.
In the remainder of the first round, Reed adapted to Mahasin’s style and began to parry his opponent’s punches. Reed also mounted his own offensive attack featuring hard body shots and well-timed counters.
In rounds two through four, Reed closed the distance between himself and Mahasin and took control of the fight. Reed was in near flawless form landing a high percentage of body shots and numerous combinations—right hook, straight left hand, and back down to the body, for example.
“I didn’t really know anything about (Mahasin) before the fight, but my dad (trainer, Michael Pinson) does a real good job of observing my opponents before, after, and during the fight. He told me (Mahasin) was big up top and to be careful, but his legs were small, so attack the body and I would get him. That’s exactly what I did, I attacked his body early and often,” said Reed.
Reed stunned Mahasin in the fifth round and closed in for the knockout. Mahasin was able to survive the round, however, showing grit and durability.
“I heard through social media that (Mahasin) was looking to get his first knockout tonight against me but that didn’t happen. I’m always looking for the knockout. Sometimes I just let it come to me, which is the best way. But tonight, with him talking the way he was talking, I was definitely looking for the knockout. I didn’t get the knockout, but by the end of the fight he knew he was in a fight.”
Reed continued his dominance in the final round and earned the respect of his “Rebellious” foe in the process. With a unanimous decision victory (60-54 twice, 59-55) and eighth consecutive win, the future looks bright for Mike Reed. We suspect that, if Reed continues to outclass tough light welterweights, the boxing public will witness the potential of this exciting prospect.