Virgil Hill Wins at Home

Paul-John Ramos

18.11 - Grand Forks, North Dakota - The open spaces of North Dakota are still hosting a championship contender after Virgil Hill's convincing twelve-round unanimous decision win over Joey DeGrandis at the Ralph Engelstad Arena on Sunday evening.

A full-house crowd turned up for the Dakotas' most significant contribution to the boxing world, a former holder of the WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight titles who is now in the championship mix at cruiserweight. Hill's latest fight was in many respects an exhibition for his local fan base, as he considers a more serious rematch with WBA belt holder Jean-Marc Mormeck. Yet there were encouraging signs for the 38-year-old Hill (48-4, 24 KOs) against the mismatched 33-year-old DeGrandis (30-7, 13 KOs), whose steady but undistinguished career has included title matches with Charles Brewer and Dariusz Michalczewski.

Hill continues to defy his age of 38, as he remains in excellent shape, limber afoot, and quick with his hands. "Quicksilver" carried the bout's action from its outset, using technical efficiency resulting from 18 years as a pro. DeGrandis, who seems better suited as a light heavyweight than a cruiser, was tentative in the early rounds against his formidable opponent ; he loosened up somewhat by the middle frames, but Hill had already built a comfortable lead and was well in the driver's seat. Jabs and straight hands in alternation were more than enough for Hill to score points, as they too often found a home on DeGrandis' body and face. While the rounds progressed, DeGrandis pressed the issue further, but was usually treated to Hill's solid counterpunches and landed very few shots of his own.

The hometown fans rooted Hill, 194 ½, Bismarck, North Dakota, on for a late-round knockout, but were left disappointed by the chin of DeGrandis, 187, Chicago via Boston, in a bout with neither man hitting the canvas. The contest was rightfully made a shutout, as the judges scored it 120-108, 120-108, and 120-106. It was an unchallenging yet impressive win for Hill, who is eying a title run in the limelight of an eye-opening career. For a past opponent of Bobby Czyz, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones, Jr., and Fabrice Tiozzo amongst others, the potential exists.

This bout was refereed by Bernie Profato (USA) and arranged by Cedric Kushner Promotions.