Boxing

 

Sharkie’s Machine: Eric Lucas Vs. Omar Sheika

(35-4-3-13 KO’s) (23-3-0-16 KO’s)

By Frank Gonzalez Jr.

The Classic Struggle: The Boxer vs. The Slugger

07.09 - Friday night in Montreal Canada, WBC Super Middleweight Champion Eric Lucas defended his title against Omar Sheika, the WBC’s # 9 ranked contender.

Eric Lucas is not a household name, yet he’s silently one of the best boxers in his class. Lucas’ one strike against him is his lack of power, as indicated by having only 13 KO’s in his 44 professional fights. He may not knock people out but he is a slick boxer who hits without being hit (often). He doesn’t have a fancy name and he doesn’t make a lot of noise in the press. He’s probably best known for being the guy Roy Jones Jr. fought after supposedly playing in a basketball game that same day, beating Lucas in a 12 round TKO. That was a long time ago though (June of 1996) and Fighter’s change, they either get worse or better. I think Lucas has gotten better. A guy like Eric Lucas deserves to be recognized for the fighter he has become, a well-oiled Boxing machine.

Omar Sheika is known for his power punching and aggressive style. With 16 KO’s out of his 27 professional fights, he has TKO’d half of his opponents. Who those opponents were is another issue. When he faced England’s Joe Calzaghe, he was TKO’d in five rounds. Apparently, people seem to enjoy saying his name, “Sheika, Sheika, Sheika.”

I’ve enjoyed watching this kid from Patterson NJ (by way of Palestine) go from pretty boy to pulp fiction by way of face -- as he cuts easily. He’s sort of a sloppy version of an Arturo Gatti, in that makes exciting fights with his bravado but bleeds a lot. In his last fight against Thomas Tate, his right eye swelled up so badly the fight was stopped. A fight he should have won as he was starting to really hurt Tate up to the point of the stoppage.

* * *

The Fight

After the first round, I knew this fight was going the distance. Lucas was too slick for Omar to catch and on those rare occasions that he did catch him, he couldn’t finish him. After a minute of feeling each other out, Lucas initiated the action, moving in and out, scoring and avoiding the counters of Sheika. Omar was patient in his approach early, taking big shots in spots, making the crowd say, “Ooooh.” Lucas dictated the tempo of the match though and kept Sheika out of any kind of rhythm. I had Lucas winning the first round.

In the third round, Sheika managed to catch Lucas with a few good shots. Lucas was smart though; he didn’t allow himself to be drawn into a brawl; Sheika’s kind of fight. Lucas moved away from the ropes causing Omar to reset, always working his jab and setting up right hands that caught Sheika with regularity. I gave Omar the third round because he hurt Lucas a bit more than Eric hurt him. That was the only round I gave Sheika.

The rest of the fight featured Lucas’ superb Boxing skills taking Omar to school for 12 rounds. When it was finally over, I had it scored 119-109 for Lucas.

The International cast of Judge’s seemed in tune with reality and scored it as follows:

Harold Laurens of Curacao --117-111 for Lucas

David Chang of Korea -- 117-111 for Lucas

Juan Guerra of Mexico -- 119-109 for Lucas

Punch Stats:

Lucas Sheika

639 Thrown 539

299 Landed 147

27% Percentage 47%

* * *

Eric Lucas has successfully defended his title for a third time.

I’d like to see him fight Sven Ottke, another skillful Boxing technician and current WBO title-holder. Yet somehow I doubt it will happen since Ottke only fights in Germany and Lucas isn’t fond of leaving Canada.

Lucas once fought hard-hitting Antwon Echols to a Draw; I’d like to see them meet again. Bryon Mitchell would also be a good future opponent, although Mitchell has won many fights thanks to the Judges and not his ability. Taking Mitchell’s title has to be an attractive idea. A rematch with Calzaghe would answer a lot of questions on both sides. I’d have to take Lucas at this point, as Joe didn’t look so dangerous in his last fight against a relatively unknown young Miguel Jimenez, (no relation to Jose Jimenez) who was stepping up for his first time. I think Eric Lucas would have a good chance against any of the top guys in his division at this time. At the least, they’d be entertaining fights.

As for Omar Sheika, he needs to work on his overall Boxing skills, especially his defense. He has power, but power means little when you can’t catch your target.

Sheika’s corner men must’ve been having fits, as Sheika didn’t exactly follow his trainer’s instructions during most of the fight. Had Sheika focused his attack on the body early, he might have slowed Lucas down and had better opportunities to go upstairs. Sheika was one dimensional in his approach, constantly going for the head of Lucas and usually missing, leaving him open for a Lucas counter punch.

Omar’s lucky Lucas is not a power puncher or he’d have tasted the canvas on a few occasions in the later rounds, where he looked to practically be out on his feet. Omar’s stamina is another question he needs to address, as late in the fight, he would run out of gas after throwing just a few punches. With his record standing at 23-4, he’s in no position to lose any more fights lest his credibility go down the drain.

Congratulations to Eric Lucas.

* * *

Agree or disagree? Send comments to dshark87@hotmail.com

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Lucas Pounds Sheika In Front Of Hometown Fans

07.09 - By Ed Ludwig: Friday night could not have been any better for current WBC Super Middleweight Champion Eric Lucas (36-4-3 13 KO's) as he pounded out a unanimous decision win over the rugged and very tough Omar Sheika (23-4 16 KO's). With an estimated attendance of 13,226 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Lucas put on the best show of his career. Many people in the boxing circles thought Sheika would take the title back to Patterson, New Jersey but that was not meant to be.

In the third round the challenger had the champion in trouble, unleashing a vicious barrage. It was the turning point in the fight as Sheika broke his hand and after that he only fought in spurts, not mounting any kind of rhythm. The only times that Sheika could muster up any kind of offence was when he had Lucas against the ropes and that was not often because being against the ropes against Sheika is like being in front of a brick wall with a raging bull running towards you.

Lucas used his jab effectively and moved well which made it very difficult for Sheika to land anything. At times it looked like Sheika was ready to go down as his knees buckled on occasion but he stood tall and finished the fight like a true warrior. I was surprised the contest was not stopped by his corner as it was very one sided and the punishment Sheika endured zapped his energy. Factor in the broken hand which he kept quiet about until the fight was over plus two cuts and the swelling around the eyes showed he was clearly beaten.

Omar Sheika may have lost the fight but he sure earned my respect. He is not the best defensive fighter in the world but you can't question his heart and his offensive capabilities. He reminds me of Arturo Gatti as they are both survivors who will always give their best till the very end. Eric Lucas on the other hand has won over many new fans after his homecoming on Friday night. His next opponent will be Marcus Beyer of Germany who is the WBC mandatory. No date or site has been announced.

In other action, Jean Francois Bergeron defeated Mario Cawley by a 4th round TKO. This was the worst fight on the card as Cawley hugged and clinched until he was finally stopped. It looked like he took a dive because he did not want to mix it up. This contest was flat out horrible and not worth talking about. Alain Bonnamie made a successful return after a three year lay off by scoring a 7th round TKO over Alex Hilton. Matthew, brother of Alex threw in the towel. Hilton's losing streak now runs to five and it is time for him to retire.

Joachim Alcine won the Canadian Jr. Middleweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over an unknown club fighter, Brooke Welby of Winnipeg. Alcine is progressing nicely and in another two years or so he could become a world ranked fighter. Patrice L'Heureux took care of Charles Spear in two rounds. This fight reminded me of rock'em sock'em robots as neither guy has a pure boxing style. It was a very entertaining swing bout. Following the Lucas-Sheika main event, Adrian Diaconu from Montreal won a hard fought six round majority decision over Kenny Bowman. Diaconu was lucky to escape with the decision as Bowman landed the harder shots and dictated the pace.

If it was not for a great main event I would say that INTERBOX needs some better match making the next time around. Most of the fights were dull and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. For a fifty-dollar pay per view in Canada the fans deserve better then what they saw. With ESPN2 airing some of the bouts it is important that INTERBOX showcase the elite from their promotion. Last night's show left a bitter taste in my mouth. I have seen all the events promoted by them and this was the worst as a whole. Congratulations to Eric Lucas for his big win and for making it worth spending my fifty bucks.

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Quick views on Lucas Vs Sheika night

by Benoit Lelièvre

07.09 - Interbox did it again....what a magic night at the Bell Center in Montreal. From the beginning to the end, this card had been a total succes....let's share the magic

Danielle Bouchard Vs Star Holmes

Danielle Bouchard had no opposition in that fight. I don't know where they picked Holmes, but her boxing trainer is bad...I mean real bad. Holmes didn't had her fists placed correctly, she didn't knew how to move, Bouchard, a former amateur #1 p4p in women's boxing had easy time. She hadn't been touched at all

Winner:Danielle Bouchard TKO2

Joachim Alcine Vs Brooke Wellby

When we were comparing the records...it looked like a mismatch. Wellby had a padded record and Alcine is an upcoming star. We saw what was the difference. Alcine took his blazing speed and attacked Wellby at will. The Winnipeg contender showed some heart, but Alcine was too quick and Wellby blows weren't hurting Joachim at all. A new canadian champion had been crowned when the fight was stopped in the third round

Winner:Joachim Alcine TKO3

Alain Bonnamie Vs Alex Hilton

The Bell Center had his first true war of the evening. Two local guys:Alain Bonnamie, who was making his comeback and Alex Hilton, who was considered a career in downhill. Both guys showed plenty of heart when they got toe to toe for the whole fight. Each time Bonnamie was placing good punches, Hilton was striking back, at the surprise of everyone. But, as it happens with old boxers, Hilton gassed...then got tagged real hard by Bonnamie. Hilton was saved by the bell, then stopped in the next round, when his brother Matthew threw the towel due to the punishment Alex was absorbing. A touching scene.

Winner:Alain Bonnamie TKO7

Jean-Francois Bergeron Vs Mario Cawley

According to me, it was the disapointement of the night. Jean-Francois Bergeron, a good canadian heavyweight had, what it looked like, a step up in competition. Plus, he had the chance to show ESPN2 what he was all about. A problem...his opponent! After failing three times to answer his entry on the ring, Cawley finally showed up...and I may think he should have stayed home. He transformed the fight into a sort of greco-roman clinch fest. Cawley hardly threw a punch. In the first round he got very near to break Bergeron's ankle with a dangerous slip. Finally, tired of hearing a pissed crowd booing at him, Cawley took VISIBLY a dive, who took the chances of Bergeron to prove himself. If I would lead a boxing comission i'd get his boxing license suspended. If I could describe Cawley's performance in one word : disgusting.

Winner:Jean-Francois Bergeron KO4

Patrice L'Heureux Vs Charles Spear

Ah! That was a fight who lit me up! Big Patrice L'Heureux is always fun to watch. He's always reading to get toe to toe with anyone. He would fight godzilla to please the crowd. He got toe to toe with Charles Spear and outpowered him big time. Sloppy technique, but heavy punching, that's what Patrice L'Heureux is all about. If you american fans loved him on ESPN...then...be happy he's coming to Heavyweight Explosion this fall.

Winner:Patrice L'Heureux TKO2

Éric Lucas Vs Omar Sheika

What an electryfying atmosphere it was for that fight. The crowd was simply crazy. Sheika came out strong at the beginning of the fight, Rocking Lucas solidly in the second..and even getting Lucas in trouble in the third. But..the champion is not the champion for nothing. He showed ESPN crowd what he was all about. Lucas started to counter punch with a surprisingly perfect timing,. From round 4 to
round 7, Sheika's head was gettin back seriously due to some hard punching by the champ. Even with jelly legs, swollen face, Omar always got back in the fight, making himself at least respected. From the ninth to the end, both were really tired. Lucas gave all he had, landing several blows to Sheika and moving the tired opponent at will. Gutsy effort by a rock-solid Sheika...but Lucas technique had been the answer to Sheika's heavy hands. Lucas took Sheika to school..period!

Winner:Éric Lucas - Unanimous Decision (117\111 119\109 117\111)

Adrian Diaconu Vs Kenny Bowman

According to me...the stain to a perfect night. I don't know what Diaconu ate...but let's be honest here...he sucked. He seemed more interested to wrestle Bowman than fighting him. Kenny Bowman showed great heart, trying to fight a guy who obviously didn't wanted to fight. Diaconu was trying nothing, while Bowman was landing basic, but efficient combos. Even before the decision was made, Stéphane Larouche seemed pretty pissed at his fighter. After Diaconu was declared winner I got to Kenny Bowman, shook his hand and I told him he was clearly robbed....sad ending to a perfect night

Winner:Adrian Diaconu - Majority Decision (57\57 58\56 58\56)

Overall I would give 9,9\10 to my night. Interbox showed a great organization. They are a reference in promotion now. For those Lucas haters who haven't got to see the fight....look at it...look at him methodically dismantle the dangerous Sheika....who told you?

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